According to the Ottoman State Year Books and "Stations on the Most Exalted Pilgrimage" the stations along the route from Maan to Madawera where almost all simple water holes and caravan camping sites devoid of permanent settlement where local nomads were recorded as to congregate during the Pilgrimage season to barter for food and other goods with the pilgrims. It was only natural that most of the railway outposts / fuel depots should be built at such locations where water was present.