KOCHI: The diesel electric multiple unit (Demu) train service, that is yet to start service from the renovated Harbour Terminus Station at Willingdon Island in Kochi, should be provided a halt at Perumanoor railway station near Thevara, said MLA Hibi Eden in Kochi on Thursday.“The Perumanoor station was an active railway station till 1984. It would be useful for many if the Demu train can halt there too,” said the MLA.He also said that the fund required for the development of basic amenities of the station could be provided from the MLA fund, if necessary. A request regarding the same had been given to Ernakulam area manager of Southern Railway, Hari Krishnan, on Thursday.He also added that the length and breadth of the railway overbridge near Perumanoor should be developed to avoid traffic congestion in the area. Presently, the Demu service will be between the Harbour Terminus and Ernakulam Junction station.The service will run on diesel as it could not use electric facility because of the presence of the Indian Navy’s airport nearby.“The train will have a stop at Mattancherry Halt station and there might be one near naval base. But no formal decisions have been taken regarding this,” said an official.Officials also said that as some works are yet to be completed at the Harbour Terminus and at the railway crossing near Vathuruthy colony, the service would only be started by December. The railway crossing at Vathuruthy is a busy point for vehicles commuting between west Kochi and Ernakulam city.

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