MEED reported that the first construction contract for Casablanca tramway is expected to be awarded in the Q3 of 2010.

As per report, Morocco's Casa Transports is inviting companies to submit bids by June 1st 2010 for the first construction contract of the Casablanca tramway.

The report said that the successful bidder will be responsible for building the first 10 kilometers of track and the station platforms. Sources close to the project expect state owned Casa Transports, which is overseeing the project, to award the construction contract in the Q3 of 2010.

Casa Transports is also preparing to invite companies to bid on 3 more contracts in June. These contracts include the second construction contract that involves building the second 10 kilometers section of track and station platforms, signaling and power supply. The authority will invite firms to bid for work on the final 10 kilometers stretch of track in July.

The USD 850 million first line of the network will be 30 kilometers when complete. It is scheduled to open on December 12th 2012. In November 2009, Casa Transports awarded a contract for the enabling works on the line to France's Alstom.

This contract includes re rerouting underground utilities, such as power cables and water pipes, as well as diverting roads and constructing foundations for the tramway platforms. Alstom will also supply 74 trams that will run on the line. It is scheduled to deliver the trams by the end of 2011.

(Sourced from MEED)