"العراق والخليج الفارسي" [ظ‎‎٣‎٧‎٦] (٨٦٢/٧٥٥)

586 COMMUNICATIONS
The Southern District, with approximate total track mileage of 397
(route mileage 353), includes all the metre-gauge system south of a
point half a mile from Baghdad West station. The District Engineer
with headquarters at Baghdad vVest controls two Assistant Engineers
stationed at Maqil and Diwaniya. Presumably the standard-gauge
line from Shalchiya to Hindiya is also within his district and its track
mileage added to the total.
The Central District covers the Baghdad area on both sides of the
river, the standard-gauge line to mile 54, that is, about 5 miles beyond
Balad, and the metre-gauge line from Baghdad North to Khanaqin
and Kirkuk. The new line from Kut to Baquba (125-3 miles) is also
presumably within this district. Excluding this new line the total
track mileage was about 300 in November 1940 (route mileage 272).
The Central District Engineer at Baghdad West controls two
Assistant Engineers at Baghdad West and Jaloula junction.
The Northern District covers the standard-gauge line from mile 54
to the Syrian boundary at Tel Kotchek. Total track mileage is about
300 (route mileage 276). The District Engineer and one Assistant
Engineer are stationed at Mosul; a second Assistant Engineer is at
Baiji.
Subordinate superintendence is carried out by Permanent Way
Inspectors, each in charge of about 100 miles of track, and each with
two Assistant P.W.I.s. Each of the latter has charge of 8 gangs, each
consisting of 1 mate, 1 keyman, and 8 men, who have about 6 miles of
track to maintain. The total thus employed in normal times averaged
about i-6 men per mile.
Workshops and Repair Shops (fig. 79)
The main workshops for both gauges are at Shalchiya, 2f miles
north-west of Baghdad West, and were designed for general repairs
to 48 locomotives a year. They are well planned, and the equip
ment of tools and the electrical department are up to date and
efficient. Current from the generating station at Shalchiya is carried
to Baghdad West for lighting the railway offices and quarters, and for
pumping. A rectifier at Baghdad West converts the current from
A.C. to D.C., and there is also an emergency generating set. Develop
ments since 1940 are not available for publication.
Running and repair sheds are at the following stations:
Southern District: Maqil and Samawa.
Central District: Baghdad West, Baghdad North, Jaloula junction,
and Kirkuk (very limited).