The TGV to Marrakech Takes a New Step with the Rehabilitation of Water Networks
The project to extend the high-speed rail line to Marrakech has reached a new operational milestone, with the launch of work aimed at rehabilitating the public utilities located along the route of the future railway infrastructure.
As part of this initiative, a new contract has been awarded for the relocation of drinking water networks affected by the extension of the high-speed rail line between Kénitra and Marrakech, within the Marrakech prefecture.
This operation follows the tender n°124/26/EAU, issued by the Marrakech-Safi Regional Multi-Service Company. The estimated cost of the work was set at approximately 20.27 million dirhams, including tax.
Following the procedure, the total contract amount has been finalized at 19.08 million dirhams, including tax, marking the transition of this preparatory operation to its execution phase.
A Preliminary Step Towards Constructing the New Line
The relocation of the water networks is a crucial operation before the main railway construction begins. Indeed, building a high-speed line requires the reorganization of several existing infrastructures located along its route.
The interventions do not only pertain to drinking water networks. Other public utilities, including electrical networks, sewage systems, and various technical infrastructures, may also need adjustments when they conflict with the future railway alignment.
The goal is to free up the necessary space for the project while avoiding interactions between the future railway infrastructure and existing networks, as well as ensuring the continuity of essential services during the construction process.
Preparatory Operations Expanding in the Region
The award of this contract in Marrakech follows other similar operations related to the preparation of the route. The Marrakech-Safi Regional Multi-Service Company had notably initiated a procedure concerning the relocation of water networks affected by the project in the Rehamna province.
The increasing number of these contracts reflects the steady progress of the preparatory operations. Thus, the project is entering a phase more focused on addressing the technical constraints associated with the terrain, existing infrastructures, and various networks present along the future railway corridor.
Implementing a project of this scale requires close coordination among different stakeholders, notably actors from the railway sector, water, electricity, and sewage operators, as well as local authorities.
Marrakech at the Heart of the High-Speed Rail Network Extension
This work is part of the national program for extending the high-speed rail network, with the line being extended from Kénitra to Marrakech.
The project aims to strengthen rail connectivity between several major urban, economic, and tourist hubs in the Kingdom while improving travel conditions for passengers.
Beyond constructing the railway line, the project involves the realization of a set of complementary infrastructures and enhancements. The operations to relocate networks thus represent an essential step in preparing the ground ahead of the main construction works.
In the long term, this extension is expected to enhance Marrakech’s position within the national rail network and improve its connection with major Moroccan cities.
The awarding of the contract for the relocation of water networks in Marrakech hence serves as a new signal of the tangible progress of the project. It marks an additional step in the preparation of the route and in establishing the technical conditions necessary for the future high-speed connection.
