Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, virtually inaugurated a 20 kW Akashvani FM Transmitter at Ramgarh in Jaisalmer from the Akashvani Jaipur premises on June 11, 2026. This installation increases the total number of FM transmitters in Rajasthan to 39 units.
The newly inaugurated transmitter is designed to provide radio coverage within an 80-kilometre radius in the border region, covering approximately 20,000 square kilometres of Jaisalmer district. This infrastructure will enable local populations to access information, educational, and entertainment programmes from All India Radio.
During the inauguration, Minister Vaishnaw emphasized the need for transformation in Prasar Bharati's functioning, stating that radio broadcasting must adopt a 'Digital First' and 'Hyper-Local' approach to remain relevant in the era of rapid technological advancement. He directed officials to prepare a roadmap for this transformation and stressed the importance of integrating local artists and artisans into the broadcasting ecosystem. The Minister also referenced the upcoming AI Data Centre in Jaipur as a foundation for future technological advancement.
Prasar Bharati Chairman Prasoon Joshi highlighted the enduring importance of Akashvani and Doordarshan, noting these institutions are deeply connected to societal roots and play a vital role in disseminating information and reflecting ground realities. The transmitter initiative aligns with the government's vision of establishing dedicated broadcast infrastructure 'from Kashmir to Kutch,' ensuring systematic expansion of broadcasting services across India's entire frontier region.
The ceremony at Akashvani Jaipur premises was attended by Rajasthan's Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar, Jaipur MP Manju Sharma, and Akashvani Director General Rajeev Kumar Jain, with Jaisalmer MP Umedaram Beniwal joining virtually.