ALGERIA: Railway development agency Anesrif has awarded a €417m design and build contract for the Saida - Tiaret section of the High Plateau line to a joint venture in which Italian contracting firm Astaldi has a 60% stake. Work is set to begin shortly for completion within 36 months.

The contract covers 153 km of single-track railway with 41 bridges and viaducts, 35 road overbridges, two passenger stations and two freight yards (RG 9.08 p699). The east–west route is a continuation of the 120 km Moulay Slissen - Saida section which Astaldi is also building as general contractor.