Key Points
- New 20 kW FM transmitter will cover 20,000 sq km of Jaisalmer border region
- Rajasthan now has 39 FM transmitters after Ramgarh addition
- Minister calls for Digital First and Hyper-Local transformation of radio broadcasting
A new 20 kilowatt FM transmitter inaugurated on Thursday will bring All India Radio coverage to nearly 20,000 square kilometres of Jaisalmer district along the India-Pakistan border, serving remote communities that previously had limited access to broadcast services.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology, virtually inaugurated the Akashvani FM transmitter at Ramgarh from Akashvani Jaipur premises.
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The transmitter will provide radio coverage within an 80-kilometre radius, enabling residents to access news, educational content and entertainment programming.
With this addition, Rajasthan now has 39 FM transmitters operated by Prasar Bharati, the public broadcaster that runs All India Radio (Akashvani) and Doordarshan.
Digital First Transformation for Radio
Addressing the gathering, Vaishnaw called for a fundamental shift in how Prasar Bharati operates. He emphasised that radio broadcasting must adopt a “Digital First” and “Hyper-Local” approach to remain relevant in an era of rapid technological change.
The minister directed officials to prepare a roadmap for this transformation and stressed the importance of integrating local artists and artisans into broadcasting.
He also referenced an upcoming artificial intelligence data centre in Jaipur, describing it as a foundation for future technological advancement in the state.
Strengthening Border Communication
The Ramgarh transmitter is part of a broader initiative to strengthen broadcast infrastructure in border areas. The project aligns with a government aim to establish dedicated broadcast services “from Kashmir to Kutch”, ensuring systematic expansion across India’s frontier regions.
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Prasar Bharati chairman Prasoon Joshi, highlighted the enduring importance of institutions such as Akashvani and Doordarshan.
He said these organisations remain deeply connected to society’s roots and play a vital role in disseminating information and reflecting ground realities to wider audiences.
By the numbers
- 20,000 sq km
- Border area coverage in Jaisalmer district
- 80 km
- Transmission radius of new FM transmitter
- 39
- Total FM transmitters in Rajasthan
The transmitter will serve not only Jaisalmer but also surrounding regions, marking a significant step in border communication infrastructure where private broadcasters have limited commercial incentive to operate.
During the event, Vaishnaw also interacted with young officers of Prasar Bharati. The ceremony was attended by Heeralal Nagar, Rajasthan’s energy minister, Manju Sharma, Jaipur MP, and Rajeev Kumar Jain, director general of Akashvani. Umedaram Beniwal, Jaisalmer MP, joined virtually.
Your Questions, Answered
What area will the new Ramgarh FM transmitter cover?
The 20 kilowatt FM transmitter will provide radio coverage within an 80-kilometre radius, covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres of Jaisalmer district along the India-Pakistan border.
How many FM transmitters does Rajasthan now have?
With the addition of the Ramgarh transmitter, Rajasthan now has 39 FM transmitters operated by Prasar Bharati through All India Radio (Akashvani).
What is the Digital First approach mentioned by the minister?
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw called for Prasar Bharati to adopt a Digital First and Hyper-Local approach to radio broadcasting, integrating local artists and artisans while preparing for technological advancement including AI capabilities.
Why is border radio coverage important?
Border areas often have limited access to private broadcast services due to low commercial viability. Public broadcasting infrastructure ensures remote communities receive news, educational content and emergency information through All India Radio.