French civil engineering giant Colas, through its subsidiaries, has clinched three significant contracts from Morocco's Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) to advance the high-speed rail line between Kenitra and Marrakech. The announcement was made via a press release on February 5. Colas' Moroccan subsidiary, GTR (Les Grands Travaux Routiers), has been awarded lot no. 3 of the civil engineering works. This contract, valued at nearly €180 million, will see GTR undertaking extensive earthworks, standard engineering tasks, and the construction of five bridges over a 40-kilometer stretch. The project is slated for completion by the end of 2027. Meanwhile, Colas Rail will oversee the design and construction of tracks, catenary systems, and substations, with a total contract value of €200 million. Additionally, Colas Rail will manage lot no. 1 of the superstructure and civil engineering works on operational tracks, a project worth €50 million. These agreements were finalized in January 2025. The trio of contracts represents a continuation of the LGV Nord project, which currently links Tangiers to Kenitra. The new developments are part of a broader initiative to extend the rail network to Marrakech, aligning with preparations for the 2030 World Cup. The works will mainly be located between Kenitra and Casablanca, the press release added. The work by Colas Rail, in collaboration with SETEC, encompasses the construction of tracks, catenary systems, work bases, electrical substations, and civil engineering on a 346 km single-track high-speed section and a 112 km single-track section on the regional network. This endeavor is expected to be completed by 2028. «We are proud to participate in the development of Morocco's railway infrastructure on behalf of ONCF. This project demonstrates our commitment to the Kingdom's economic development and our support for major initiatives such as the hosting of the 2030 World Cup», stated Francis Grass, Executive Vice President EMEA of Colas. «After carrying out the track and catenary work on Morocco's first high-speed line, the Tangier-Kenitra line, between 2014 and 2018, Colas Rail is proud to be continuing the development of high-speed lines in the Kingdom of Morocco», added Hervé Le Joliff, Executive Vice President of Colas Rail.
