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Zagreb's Importanne Center escalators delayed, trial run expected mid-August
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Energy & Infrastructure

Zagreb's Importanne Center escalators delayed, trial run expected mid-August

From Veฤernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • Escalators at Importanne Center in Zagreb, Croatia, remain non-operational two years after their last functioning period, with replacement parts having traveled from Asia.
  • The city announced that final installation and testing are expected by mid-August, with a trial run to follow, after delays attributed to manufacturing and complex geopolitical circumstances affecting shipping.
  • The original escalators, installed in 1995, experienced frequent breakdowns, prompting their replacement in a project costing approximately 800,000 euros.

Two years after they last operated, the escalators at Zagreb's Importanne Center on King Tomislav Square are still not in service. The replacement parts, shipped from Asia, have been installed, but the escalators remain stationary, delaying the city's promised July completion date.

City officials explained that final finishing works are necessary. The new escalator components have been mounted and connected to the electrical supply, with initial functionality tests conducted. The next step involves fabricating and installing an inox profile covering that bridges the gap between the escalator steps. "The fabrication of the cladding parts is underway, and their assembly will follow upon completion," the city stated. "Final system testing and the launch of the external escalators into trial operation are expected by mid-August."

This project has faced significant delays. Originally slated for completion in February, the timeline slipped due to changes in technical documentation and delivery issues. The city cited complex geopolitical circumstances in the Middle East as a reason for the extended shipping route from China, requiring passage around the Cape of Good Hope.

The old escalators, installed in 1995, had become increasingly prone to breakdowns in recent years. Their replacement was initiated due to these frequent issues. The entire project, including the new escalators and installation, is valued at approximately 800,000 euros, including VAT.

The fabrication of the cladding parts is underway, and their assembly will follow upon completion. Final system testing and the launch of the external escalators into trial operation are expected by mid-August.

โ€” City officialsThe city provided an update on the remaining work needed to bring the new escalators into operation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.