Two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), commonly known as “moles,” which will construct the underground tunnels of the first line of the Belgrade Metro, are beginning their journey from China to Serbia. Following the successful completion of factory acceptance tests, the machines will undergo several weeks of transportation to Europe and subsequently to Belgrade, where they will be prepared to begin excavating approximately 11 kilometres of underground tunnels as part of Phase 1 of Line 1 of the Belgrade Metro.
The transportation of the TBMs will be carried out in two stages. During the first stage, one complete TBM, together with a number of components for the second machine, will be shipped from China. The remaining components of the second TBM will be transported during the second stage.
The machines and their components will be transported by sea from China to Europe, where their arrival is expected by October. Following this, provided that transportation proceeds according to the planned schedule and prevailing navigation conditions, the TBMs will continue their journey to Belgrade via the Danube.
Once all components have been delivered to Serbia, preparations will begin for the assembly of the TBMs and their installation at the launch sites, from which excavation of the tunnels for Phase 1 of Line 1 of the Belgrade Metro will commence.
One TBM will begin excavation from the “Bele Vode” station at Makiš and proceed towards the “Sajam” station, while the second will begin excavation from the launch shaft in Karaburma, near the Pančevo Bridge. In this way, the two machines will commence work from opposite ends of the underground alignment and advance towards one another.
The approximately 11-kilometre underground tunnel section is divided into two sections, enabling the two TBMs to operate simultaneously on different parts of the alignment. This approach will allow parallel tunnel excavation and contribute to the efficient implementation of one of the most technically demanding stages in the construction of the first metro line.
The TBMs were manufactured at the CRCHI factory in Changsha, China, where they successfully completed their Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT). During the testing process, all key mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and control systems were thoroughly checked, confirming that the machines meet the highest technical standards and are ready for transportation and operation.
The TBMs represent state-of-the-art technology for mechanised tunnel excavation. Their application enables precise, safe and efficient construction of underground tunnels, while minimising the impact on the surface. This is particularly important when carrying out works in densely built-up urban areas.
The departure of the TBMs from China and their delivery to Belgrade mark an important milestone in the implementation of the first line of the Belgrade Metro and the beginning of preparations for one of the most significant phases of the project – the construction of the underground tunnels.
