The Mass Transit Railway Corporation will retrofit automatic platform gates at eight stations by 2012, Secretary for Transport & Housing Eva Cheng says.

The eight stations are Kwai Fong, Kwai Hing, Tsuen Wan, Kowloon Bay, Ngau Tau Kok, Kwun Tong, Chai Wan and Heng Fa Chuen.

She told lawmakers today designs for the project will be completed next year and trial installation will start at Heng Fa Chuen Station in 2010. A review on the trial installation will be conducted in the first quarter of 2011 before installing, testing and commissioning of automatic platform gates at all eight stations by 2012.

She said the Government will closely monitor the progress of the retrofitting works. The MTRC has also put in place safety measures adopted by railway operators worldwide to ensure passenger safety, she added.