In the context of providing assistance to Morocco for sustainable and high-quality rail network, this Technical Assistance (TA) will finance a team of consultants to prepare (i) feasibility studies (ii) Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) and (iii) investment design studies relating to the rehabilitation and electrification of the railway network in the Oriental region in Morocco, covering a network of 550 km located between Fes-Oujda, Taourirt-Nador, Oujda-Jerada and Selouane-Port Nador West. The scope of the works should include rehabilitation works necessary to bring the line up to standard, the installation of a catenary over 550 km of single track, the construction of electrical substations, and the adaptation of railway signalling. These investments should eventually make it possible to replace diesel- driven trains, that currently run on the line, and to complete the electrification of the Moroccan rail network.

In order to achieve the objectives of this Technical assistance related mission, the following tasks must be carried out:

— preliminary studies, prior to electrification: topographic surveys, impact studies (on signalling/telecommunications and ESIA), and feasibility studies;

— power research, research of high voltage power supplies in 25 kV mode, and verification of the power -based research in 3 kV mode;

— analysis and choice of electrification mode;

— study and design (substations and catenary).