Ashwini Vaishnaw Launches New FM Transmitter in Jaisalmer to Boost Radio Connectivity in Border Areas

Jaisalmer, June 11: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday inaugurated a new 20 kW Akashvani FM transmitter at Ramgarh in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, strengthening radio broadcasting services in India’s western border region.

The inauguration was conducted virtually from Akashvani Jaipur. The project is expected to significantly improve access to information, education and entertainment for residents living in remote border areas.

With the commissioning of the Ramgarh transmitter, Rajasthan’s FM broadcasting network has grown further. The state now has 39 FM transmitters.

Officials said the new facility will provide radio coverage within an approximately 80-kilometre radius. The service is expected to reach a large portion of Jaisalmer district, covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres.

The enhanced coverage will help residents access government information, public awareness programmes, educational content and entertainment broadcasts.

Addressing officials and stakeholders during the event, Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the need for public broadcasting services to adapt to changing technological trends.

He said radio broadcasting must embrace a “Digital First” and “Hyper-Local” approach to remain relevant in an increasingly digital world.

The minister urged Prasar Bharati officials to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for modernization. He also stressed the importance of promoting local culture by providing greater opportunities to regional artists and artisans through broadcasting platforms.During his address, Vaishnaw referred to the upcoming AI Data Centre in Jaipur as a major step towards strengthening Rajasthan’s digital ecosystem.

He said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence will play a crucial role in shaping India’s future communication and information infrastructure.

Prasar Bharati Chairman Prasoon Joshi underlined the continued importance of Akashvani and Doordarshan in connecting with communities across the country.

He said public broadcasters remain closely linked to grassroots realities and continue to serve as important channels for information dissemination and public engagement.

According to Joshi, these institutions play a vital role in reflecting local issues and voices to wider audiences. The new transmitter is part of a broader effort to enhance communication infrastructure in strategically important border regions.

Officials said the initiative supports the vision of expanding broadcasting services across frontier areas stretching from Kashmir to Kutch.

The project is expected to improve the reach of Akashvani and Doordarshan while ensuring reliable access to information for residents in remote and sensitive locations.

The inauguration programme was attended by several public representatives and senior officials. Rajasthan Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar, Jaipur MP Manju Sharma and Akashvani Director General Rajeev Kumar Jain participated in the event.

Jaisalmer MP Umedaram Beniwal also joined the programme virtually.

Officials described the transmitter as an important addition to India’s broadcasting infrastructure and a significant step toward strengthening connectivity in border regions.