In the wake of drought in parts of Gujarat, the state government sought financial assistance of Rs.1,725-crore from the Centre to carry out various relief works in the affected regions. The demand was put forward before a central team visiting Gujarat since the last three days to assess the water scarcity situation which has arisen due to scanty rainfall this monsoon, said the source.

Despite its first phase being held as non-viable in its current format by the CAG, the Jaipur metro is likely to advance to the second phase with existing capacities. The state urban development department denies of any possible halt to the project at the current stage, even as possibilities of any financial assistance from central government remain bleak.