It is reported that in the Moscow Metro project, the first metro tunnel bored using China's domestically produced shield machine has been successfully completed.

In this project, the 10.88m-diameter CRCC "Victory" shield machine completed a 2.677km tunnel on the eastern section of the Moscow Metro Big Circle Line. The construction party stated that the machine, after design optimization, can operate normally at temperatures of –30°C during the Russian winter. It is reported that the maximum daily advance during tunneling was 4.338m, and no significant ground settlement was monitored when passing beneath the 15th-century wooden Kolomenskoye Estate.

At the same time, various measures were taken at the construction site to protect workers from COVID-19, including twice-daily temperature checks; enhanced tunnel ventilation and disinfection, and regular nucleic acid testing for workers to ensure the health and safety of all staff.

The Moscow Metro Big Circle Line has a total length of 70km and will become one of the longest metro ring lines in the world. The entire line has 31 stations and was originally expected to be completed in 2022; it will now be delayed due to the impact of the global pandemic.