FM coverage being expanded across border areas from Kashmir to Kutch: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Jaipur, June 11
Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday said that special arrangements are being developed to strengthen Akashvani and Doordarshan coverage across India's border regions, from Kashmir to Kutch, with new FM transmitters and broadcasting infrastructure being set up.
Speaking to media at the Akashvani Centre in Jaipur, Vaishnaw said, "Special arrangements are being made for Akashvani and Doordarshan across all border areas, from Kashmir to Kutch. Proper FM transmitters and Doordarshan centres are being set up."
Vaishnaw also virtually inaugurated a 20-kW FM transmitter at Ramgarh, Rajasthan, during the programme held at Akashvani premises in Jaipur.
Highlighting the launch of the FM transmitter, he said, "Today, a new 20-kilowatt FM transmitter was launched in Jaisalmer, which will cover not only the district but also surrounding regions -- about an 80 km radius and nearly 20,000 square kilometres. This is a significant step forward."
Earlier, while addressing the programme, Vaishnaw said that extensive redevelopment work is underway across 85 railway stations in Rajasthan with an investment of around Rs 4,600 crore, aimed at strengthening modern rail infrastructure in the state.
"Across the state, work is underway at 85 stations with an investment of about Rs 4,600 crore to lay a new foundation for the future," he said.
He added that work has already been completed at some stations, while several others are nearing completion.
"Work has been fully completed at 15 stations and nearly finished at 23 more, though officially counted only when 100% complete. Stations include Barmer, Bundi, Dausa, Deshnok, Fatehpur Shekhawati, Gangapur City, Gogamedhi, Govindgarh, Rajgarh, Khairthal, Jaisalmer, Mandalgarh, Mandawar, Mahwa, Road, and Somesar. Around 80% of the work is complete," Vaishnaw said.
Vaishnaw also highlighted the development of logistics infrastructure alongside passenger facilities.
"Alongside this, multimodal cargo terminals branded as Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals are being developed from an industry perspective," he added.
The inaugural event was attended by Jaipur MP Manju Sharma, Prasar Bharati Chairman Prasoon Joshi, and Akashvani Director General Rajeev Kumar Jain, along with senior officials.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone from Kutch, this is much needed. We often rely on Pakistani radio signals because our own coverage is patchy. But I hope they also invest in digital infrastructure — FM is good, but streaming services are the future. Still, a step in right direction. 🙏
Good initiative, but why only FM? In 2025, we should be talking about 5G towers and internet connectivity in border areas. FM feels like a 1990s solution. Still, every bit helps for our soldiers and villagers getting news in local languages. Bhai, at least it's something!
My cousin is in BSF posted near Barmer. He says even now they struggle to get All India Radio clearly. This 20kW transmitter in Jaisalmer covering 20,000 sq km is actually huge. Hope they replicate this across all sensitive zones. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
Smart move. In border areas, electronic media is often the only source of authentic news. Pakistani propaganda channels have easy reach there due to signal spillover. Strengthening Akashvani and Doordarshan is a soft power strategy that will pay off. Also impressed with the railway station redevelopment — Rs 4,600 crore is no joke!
I appreciate the focus on border areas, but wish they gave equal attention to infrastructure in south India too. Many remote villages in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu still don't have proper mobile network. FM is good but we need a holistic approach. Still, for Rajasthan and Kashmir, this is welcome news. 👏
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