‘Persia – especially Seistan’ [‎89v] (177/949)

14
The sketch explains the general character of the alignment, ascending and
descending the small tributaries of the main rivers, running for the most part
parallel to the ridges, hut crossing them every here and there.
The works on the whole are not as expensive as might he anticipated, the
heaviest hits being (1) at the Garmaf Kotals (R. L. 2,500, mile 322)
through two adjacent ridges above Mandai Af where two short tunnels will be
required; and ( 2 ) the descent of the Masjid nulla from Masjid Ziarat into
Jhau, miles 347 to 352.
On the section will be found full details of the nature of the country
traversed. It should be specially noted that the line should not follow the
caravan road in the descent from the above-mentioned tunnels to the Paho
River, mile 332, as that route involves a third Kotal, and is prohibitively steep;
but should descend the Garm At nulla as shown on the section. Again between
Masjid Ziarat and Jhau the caravan road is impracticable for a railway, as it
ascends an awkward Kotal. The correct alignment is to follow the Masjid
nulla either as far as mile 351, and then strike to the left across the foothills ;
or else to its debouchement on the Jhau glacis a mile or two further on.
The section follows the first alternative, but the second will probably
prove better. Por four miles below Ziarat, the earthwork will be heavy, and
there will be some small span bridging; but the hills on both sides of the nulla
are in the main low and of soft material, so, though the stream winds abruptly,
it can hardly be called a defile.
The central portion of this tract from the foot of the Garm Af Kotal to
Ziarat is not at all difficult. The principal work is the bridge over the Paho
River 15x60. The catchment area of this river ranks next in size af f er the
Mashkhel, but its basin is long and narrow, so its floods hardly seem so great
as those in the Kil Kaur, whose basin, though smaller, is more compact. The
river runs through a wide defile with high rocky banks. Between the banks
are fairly stable patches of alluvial soil covered with tall jungle of tamarisk
and acacia. Not far from the caravan road, rock (soft sandstone) stretches from
side to side, so there should be no trouble in obtaining good foundations.
There is plenty of water in pools in the riverbed, but no surface flow.
No doubt, there is a good perennial flow through the shingle.
The ruling grade between Mandaiaf and Jhau will be determined by the
grade at the Garm Af Kotal. 1—50 is the best to be expected there. Elsewhere
easier gradients could be obtained if there were any advantage in doing so.
Alternative routes between Jhau and Kolwa will suggest themselves to
the survey officers staking out the permanent line, viz .,—
{ci) Prom Jhau up the Seri (or Serd) Pass, and across Nondro to the
north-east corner of Kolwa.
(5) Prom Jhau via the present alignment as far as the Nondro crossing,
mile 340, thence up the Nondro River and into Kolwa via (a) }
and avoiding the Garm Af Kotals.
Both these routes are longer than that now under report, and in my opinion
not likely to prove so good. My Jemadar of Levy Sowars, a Brahui Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. ,
•who had accompanied Major Showers over route (a) last year, gave a very bad
account of the passes on it, more particularly of the Seri, but Major Showers
has since assured me that in his opinion they are not impracticable, (a) is
certainly worth a cursory examination, for it crosses the hilly tract by a much
shorter route than mine, though the total length of line is increased. (5) is too
circuitous for investigation unless some unforeseen difficulty is discovered at
the Garm Af Kotal.
Jhau to Las Bela .—After its debouchement on the Jhau glacis the align
ment descends to the Nal River, R>. L. 1,500, which will require about 800
feet of waterway in 40 feet or 60 feet spans.
There is a short stretch of partially cultivated alluvial plain on each side
of the river, and fairly dense jungle of tamarisk and acacia. The banks of the
river are of earth, about 30 feet high, and steep. There is a slight perennial flow
in its bed.