Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa on Wednesday urged the Railway Ministry to expedite projects in the State to avoid cost escalation.
“Though Karnataka is in the forefront in the country in taking up Railway projects on cost sharing basis, it has not been possible to achieve progress on expected lines,” Mr. Yeddyurappa told reporters after chairing a meeting to review the progress of Railway projects under implementation.
During 2010-11, the State released Rs. 498 crore towards its share for rail projects but only Rs. 275.93 crore has been utilised, he said.
The government had decided to constitute a coordination committee under the chairmanship of State Chief Secretary S. V. Ranganath and railway officials to monitor the progress of works, he said.
The committee would meet every month, it was decided at the meeting, which was attended by officials from the State and Ministry of Railways.
Union Minister of State for Railways K. H. Muniyappa, who was also present, said that Karnataka had come forward to provide Rs. 600 crore annually towards railway projects and cited land acquisition problems for delay in execution of some projects.
