Morocco has awarded two further contracts for civil engineering work on the high-speed rail line it’s building between the port of Kenitra and Marrakech, business website Zawya reports.

China’s Shandong Hi-Speed Group Co was awarded a civil works contract worth $410m for phase 2, which runs 64km between Rabat and the town of Zenata.

And local contractor Travaux Généraux de Construction de Casablanca was awarded a $205m contract for civil works for phase 4 of the line – a 51km stretch.

In early September, China Railway Number 4 was chosen to carry out civil works on phase 1 of the scheme.

The packages are part of an extension of the high-speed line between Tangiers and Kenitra to Marrakech, via Rabat and Casablanca.

The 430km line is being built by the Moroccan National Office of Railways (ONCF) and is project managed by French engineers Egis and Systra, as well as Morocco’s Novec.

As well as laying track, the project will refurbish the stations along the route, which includes the urban centres of Rabat, Salé and Casablanca. There will also be two terminal stations and a maintenance workshop.

When complete, in time for the 2030 World Cup finals, the line will allow trains to run at 320km/h.