This is to incorporate the provision of an automatic train protection system, allowing the number of train paths to be increased from 20 to 24 per hour each way. Services will be co-ordinated from a new control centre in the Kowloon Canton Railway Corporation's operations headquarters building at Fo Tan. All parts of the system will be linked to this centre via new, modern telecommunications systems. East Rail stations have benefited from a series of improvements to their communications facilities, which has included the installation of new payphones on all platforms, and a comprehensive upgrade of the existing passenger information system, showing details of all scheduled arrivals, and giving details of the stations served, and their progress. A map of KCRC's future and present rail networks.
Containerised freight is a major area of growth on the East Rail system.
The new Automatic Train Protection system demands constant monitoring by highly-trained control room staff. Improved maintenance and refurbishment help ensure KCRC's rolling stock meets the growing demands on it. The new KTT cross-border trains have brought substantial increases in traffic to the East Rail network.