- 140 -The number of passengers has increased, especially those in the fourth class (for nationals), reaching 33,500. The main reason for the increase in the weight of goods was the abundance of dura (sorghum) transported by the railway.

The following table shows the total weight of goods transported by the railway: | Exports | 1909 (tons) | 1908 (tons) | |---|---|---| | Dura (Sorghum) | | | | Sesame | | | | Cotton | | | | Imports | | | | Sugar | | | | Salt | | | | Soap | | | | Gelatin | | | | Spices and Herbs | | | | Tea | | | | Petrol | | | | Cotton textiles | | | | Tobacco | | | The major merchants have strengthened their ties with local crop producers, bypassing intermediaries. The weight of goods presented has increased at a faster rate than its current increase. It is advisable to appoint responsible agents in locations such as Wad Madani and Kosti.