Jaipur, Aug 20 (NationPress) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma convened a meeting with Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar at his residence in New Delhi on Wednesday. The two leaders engaged in comprehensive discussions regarding critical issues related to energy and urban development in Rajasthan.

During the meeting, Sharma highlighted Rajasthan’s commitment to renewable energy, revealing that the state has formulated an extensive plan for renewable energy evacuation. He advocated for the inclusion of projects from this plan in the Green Energy Corridor–Phase III and urged the Centre to expedite the approval of substantial financial support.

The Chief Minister underscored that Rajasthan has attracted numerous significant investment proposals in the renewable energy sector. To support these initiatives, a strong transmission system is crucial for efficient energy evacuation, and he emphasized the necessity of robust central backing to bring these projects to fruition.

Sharma also pressed for the swift approval of the detailed project report for Jaipur Metro Phase-2, which is proposed under a 50:50 joint venture model between the Centre and the state. He expressed that timely central funding approval would enhance the reliability and safety of public transport for Jaipur’s residents.

Further, the Chief Minister discussed the need for central assistance under the 15th Finance Commission for urban local bodies in Rajasthan’s non-million-plus cities. He indicated that such financial support would accelerate the completion of ongoing urban development projects.

Highlighting the Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure Development Project (RUIDP) Phase-V, which is intended to be funded jointly by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, Sharma sought favorable cooperation from the Union Ministry. He stated that the project aims to ensure holistic urban development, addressing aspects such as water supply, wastewater and solid waste management, urban transport enhancement, flood control, and heritage conservation.

He reiterated that early approval of this project would significantly propel development across urban areas in the state. The Chief Minister emphasized Rajasthan’s vast potential for energy generation, particularly in the renewable sector, and called for increased central support to harness this potential and bolster urban infrastructure.

In response, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar assured Bhajan Lal Sharma of the Centre’s unwavering support.