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. The new 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, enabling access to information, educational, and entertainment programmes for the local population.
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 amidst rapid technological advancements. 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 foundational step for future technological advancement.
Prasar Bharati Chairman Prasoon Joshi highlighted the enduring importance of Akashvani and Doordarshan, noting their deep connection to societal roots and vital role in disseminating information and reflecting ground realities. The transmitter initiative aims to strengthen the reach of All India Radio and Doordarshan in border areas, serving Jaisalmer and surrounding regions as part of the vision to create dedicated broadcast infrastructure 'from Kashmir to Kutch' across India's frontier regions.
The ceremony was attended by Rajasthan's Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar, Jaipur MP Manju Sharma, and Akashvani Director General Rajeev Kumar Jain at the Akashvani Jaipur premises, with Jaisalmer MP Umedaram Beniwal joining virtually.