Mali: Chinese TBMs for Belgrade metro complete

CHANGSHA - The manufacture of two tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) that will be used to build a Belgrade metro system is complete, Serbian First Deputy PM and Finance Minister Sinisa Mali announced on Wednesday.

Technical tests of the machines, made by the Chinese company CRCHI, began in the city of Changsha earlier in the day.

"The tests are being conducted in controlled conditions simulating a machine's actual work in a tunnel. Once the testing is complete, we expect the TBMs to set off for Serbia in June," Mali posted on Instagram.

The machines, built to the highest and leading-edge standards, will represent a major step in the construction of a Belgrade metro, which generations of Belgraders have dreamed of, Mali noted.

"The construction of the Belgrade metro is a capital, vital project that will fully enhance the quality of public transport in Belgrade and reduce traffic congestion, better connect remote parts of the city and help us to have a much healthier city and a much healthier environment," Mali wrote.

A video posted by Mali showed two TBMs adorned in Serbian national colours.