Algeria has awarded a €1bn ($1.33bn) contract to an FCC-led joint venture to build a 185km-long rail line.
The single-track line, which is divided into two sections, allows trains to run at a maximum speed of 160km/h and will connect the towns of Relizane, Tiaret and Tissemsilt
The first 121km section from Relizane to Tiaret will run through rugged terrain and five major tunnels while the second section will run 64.2km between Tiaret and Tissemsilt.
Under the contract, Spanish-based FCC in cooperation with Algerian firm ETRHB Haddad will build seven passenger stations, five junctions and seven maintenance buildings along the length of the railway.
The work also includes modernising the existing stations in Relizane and Tissemsilt.
The contract is part of a 2009-14 economic development programme, which has a budget of €114bn ($147bn) and is expected to be completed in 54 months.
