The Russian Administration of Galician Railways (September 1914 -February 1915)

The article explores the formation of the Russian Administration of Galician Railways in the autumn of 1914. The occupation of Eastern Galicia by Russian troops was followed by the organisation of the civil administration of Galicia. The Galician railways were initially managed by the Southwest Railways. However, it was decided to form a separate Galician network. On October 25, 1914, the Galician Railway Administration was organized, with K.S. Nemeshaev appointed its director. Retreating from Galicia, the Austro-Hungarian army caused significant damage to Galician railways. The military situation on the front demanded fast restoration of railway communication to transport military goods and supplies for the army and evacuate the wounded. Meanwhile, the population of Galicia desperately needed regular passenger communication and freight traffic, thus the task was important both in the military and political terms. There were many factors complicating the work: the difference between the local narrow and Russian wide gauges, difficult terrain, lack of qualified personnel and rolling stock, and remoteness of Galicia. However, in the first three months of operation, the Railway Administration carried out large-scale repair and restoration work on the railway track, which had been thoroughly destroyed by the enemy during its retreat. By February 1915, the Railway Administration had been able to double its operating network. It had also begun the expansion and development of existing lines and stations and construction of new ones. Two lines were changed to the Russian gauge.

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