Rajasthan Requests Centre’s Support for Renewable Energy Initiatives

Quick Summary

• Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma met Union Minister of Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi on August 20, 2025.
• Rajasthan requested Central assistance for renewable energy projects, emphasizing their inclusion in the third phase of the Green Energy Corridor (GEC-III) to develop intra-state transmission infrastructure.
• The State plans an investment of ₹9,000 crore in transmission projects and has received multiple proposals for renewable energy investments.
• Central financial aid was also sought for urban advancement under the 15th Finance Commission to support non-million-plus cities in Rajasthan.
• Mr. Sharma highlighted progress on the fifth phase of the Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure Development Project (RUIDP), jointly funded by Asian Development Bank and World Bank, which has been submitted awaiting approval from the Center.
• Key urban development focus areas include water supply, wastewater management, solid waste handling, traffic reforms, flood management, and heritage conservation.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Rajasthan’s appeal for inclusion in GEC-III underscores its commitment to advancing renewable energy infrastructure at a crucial juncture when India aims to meet enterprising clean energy transitions. The stated ₹9,000 crore investment indicates a significant push towards integrating state-wide transmission networks essential for scaling up green initiatives.

Similarly notable is Mr. Sharma’s request for federal backing under the 15th Finance Commission and international collaboration via RUIDP. These efforts reflect a coordinated approach towards transformative urban development across non-metropolitan areas-a realm often overlooked compared to metro-city-led growth strategies.

While these initiatives exhibit robust intent toward infrastructure modernization and enduring growth within Rajasthan’s diverse geographic landscape, prompt approval from relevant authorities could determine timely execution aligning with national objectives like climate change mitigation.

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