The centre has cautioned that delay in land acquisition for Railway projects in Karnataka will lead to cost escalation. Minister of State for Railways K H Muniyappa appreciated the role of Karnataka State government in providing 50 percent funds for the railway projects in the state. But, he regretted the delay caused due to slow land acquisition process by the State.He was speaking to the media persons in Bangalore today after holding review meeting of projects under implementation. The Chief Minister assured the Railway Minister that the Deputy Commissioners in the districts will be directed to speed up land acquisition for the railway project. He also said that a Co-ordination Committee headed by the Chief Secretary will be constituted to review the projects every month. He pointed out that Karnataka has railway density of only 15.72 Kms whereas the national average is 19.27 kms per 1000 kms area. He said 66 percent of the state does not have rail connectivity. He urged the Railways to speed up the ongoing projects and assured them that State share for the projects will be increased if need be.