Chapter Four On Communications 13 - The Railway The following table compares revenues and expenses over the past five years.

Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net Profit | Percentage of Expenses to Revenue ------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | --------1906 | 235669 | 30204 | 74200 | 64 1907 | 388557 | 161469 | 85203 | 714 1908 | 332563 | 251959 | 70404 | 781 1909 | 331662 | 256923 | 72039 | 783 1910 | 391717 | 268285 | 123433 | 685 The Director of Railways states that most of the credit for the great increase in profits last year is due to the extension of the railway line to Wad Madani. He did not mention the full cost incurred in operating this line, as part of it is still under construction. The great increase in revenue and the increase in the weight of goods transported by the railway, which rose from 12,000 tons to 166,000 tons, is encouraging. Therefore, it is hoped that extending the line southward will be a profitable venture commercially, in addition to the strategic considerations of great importance that led to its establishment. It is said that the performance of this department last year was highly satisfactory and met with complete approval. It is also worth mentioning in this context the reduction in the average freight rate, which has fallen by about three milliemes per ton per mile. The rate for transporting export grains is less than 1 millieme per ton per mile. The aim of this great leniency is to promote every resource of transportation.