Thu Aug 21 01:26:17 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, aiming for a straightforward and informative tone:

**Rajasthan Seeks Central Funds for Renewable Energy, Urban Development Projects**

**New Delhi, August 21, 2025** – Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma met with Union Minister of Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday to request Central government assistance for key renewable energy and urban development projects in the state.

A primary focus of the discussion was the need for Central financial support to accelerate renewable energy infrastructure development. Specifically, the state is seeking inclusion in the third phase of the Green Energy Corridor (GEC-III) to bolster its intra-State transmission infrastructure, requiring an estimated investment of ₹9,000 crore. Chief Minister Sharma emphasized that Rajasthan has received numerous proposals for renewable energy investments, and Central aid is vital to meeting renewable energy targets.

In addition to energy, Mr. Sharma requested financial assistance for urban bodies in non-million plus cities under the 15th Finance Commission. He stated that this support would enable urban local bodies to expedite development works.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the fifth phase of the Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure Development Project (RUIDP), a joint initiative with the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank. Mr. Sharma indicated that the project’s fifth phase proposal has been submitted to the Centre, and a positive response is anticipated. The projects focus on urban development, including water supply, waste water management, solid waste management, urban traffic reforms, flood management, and heritage conservation. An early approval of the project would help accelerate all-round development of cities in the State, he added.

“The State government is committed to achieving the goals of urban development,” Sharma stated, emphasizing the importance of the requested assistance for the overall growth of cities across Rajasthan.

**Other points:**

* **Dateline:** Includes location and date (August 21, 2025)
* **Concise Language:** Avoids overly promotional or subjective wording.
* **Focus on Key Facts:** Highlights the main requests and points discussed.

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