Belgrade Metro 'Moles' Ready for Transport from China in June, Arriving September

The completion and upcoming transport of the TBM machines, nicknamed "moles," marks a significant milestone in the long-awaited Belgrade metro project. These sophisticated machines, manufactured by CRCHI in China, have undergone extensive design and testing, a process that took over a year. Their journey to Belgrade, commencing in June and expected by September, will involve a complex sea and river transport operation managed by the manufacturer and Power China.

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The machines have been produced, they have been designed and worked on for more than a year, and it is a very complex and serious process. Factory testing is a process that will last several weeks, with a large number of experts.

This development is being closely watched in Serbia, as the metro has been a subject of discussion and planning for decades. The arrival of these specialized tunneling machines signifies a tangible step forward, moving beyond blueprints and into the physical construction phase. The Belgrade metro and train company (JKP "Beogradski metro i voz") has emphasized the complexity and precision involved in the manufacturing and testing of these TBMs, highlighting the manufacturer's global standing and experience.

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We expect both machines to be in our capital by the end of September. This is a very important test for all of us.

Local media is likely to frame this as a moment of progress and a testament to international cooperation, particularly with China, a key partner in infrastructure development. The successful completion of factory testing and the upcoming transport are seen as crucial steps that build confidence in the project's viability. The focus now shifts to the launch sites and the commencement of actual tunneling work, which is anticipated soon after the machines' arrival and assembly.

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After testing the technical correctness of the machines, which lasts about 30 days, the machines will go for final adjustments and then head to Serbia.

While Western media might focus on the technical aspects or the financial implications, the Serbian perspective emphasizes the fulfillment of a national aspiration. The metro is not just an infrastructure project; it represents modernization, improved urban mobility, and a symbol of Belgrade's growing status. The involvement of a major global manufacturer like CRCHI and the logistical feat of transporting these massive machines underscore the scale and ambition of the undertaking. The project's progress is a source of national pride and anticipation for improved living standards and connectivity within the capital.

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We eagerly await the arrival of the machines in Belgrade so that after the preparatory work, we can begin with the assembly and trial operation of the machines, and after that, the actual rotation, i.e., launching.