Morocco has issued a tender for a 375km high-speed railway between the port of Kenitra north of Rabat on the Atlantic coast to the city of Marrakech in the southwest.

According to Arabian Gulf Business, national rail operator ONCF is looking for bidders for seven sections, each between 36km and 64km in length.

French engineer Egis is working as its consultant on the scheme.

As well as construction, the job includes design, the construction of stations, the installation of signalling systems and an equipment maintenance centre in Marrakech.

The line is part of ONCF’s $37bn masterplan to connect the country’s cities, ports and airports with 350km/h links.

The target is to give 80% of Morocco’s population access to rail transport by 2040, compared with 50% today.

Companies have until 23 June to express their interest.