Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates 20 kW FM Transmitter in Jaisalmer, Calls for Digital-First Broadcasting
Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday virtually inaugurated a new 20 kW Akashvani FM transmitter at Ramgarh in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, marking a significant step towards strengthening broadcasting infrastructure in India’s border regions.
The inauguration was conducted from the premises of Akashvani in Jaipur. The newly commissioned transmitter is expected to significantly enhance radio coverage in the strategically important border areas of western Rajasthan, ensuring better access to information, education and entertainment for residents living in remote regions.
With the commissioning of the Ramgarh FM transmitter, the total number of FM transmitters in Rajasthan has increased to 39. The new facility will provide radio coverage within an approximately 80-kilometre radius, extending broadcasting services across nearly 20,000 square kilometres of Jaisalmer district. The enhanced reach is expected to benefit thousands of residents in border villages who often face communication challenges due to geographical remoteness.
Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, Vaishnaw stressed the need for public broadcasting institutions to evolve with changing technological trends. He said that radio broadcasting must embrace a “Digital First” and “Hyper-Local” approach to remain relevant and impactful in an increasingly digital world.
The minister emphasized that rapid technological advancements are transforming the media landscape and that public broadcasters need to adapt their content strategies accordingly. He directed officials to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for the digital transformation of broadcasting services and underlined the importance of creating content that reflects local aspirations and realities.
Vaishnaw also called for greater participation of local artists, artisans and cultural practitioners in broadcasting programmes. According to him, integrating grassroots talent into radio and television content would help preserve local culture while making public broadcasting more relatable and community-oriented.
Highlighting Rajasthan’s growing role in India’s technology ecosystem, the minister referred to the upcoming AI Data Centre in Jaipur. He described the project as a foundation for future technological growth and a major step toward strengthening digital infrastructure in the state. He said such initiatives would contribute to innovation-driven development and support India’s ambitions in emerging technologies.
Speaking on the occasion, Prasoon Joshi, Chairman of Prasar Bharati, highlighted the enduring significance of institutions such as Akashvani and Doordarshan. He said these organisations remain deeply connected to the roots of Indian society and continue to play a crucial role in disseminating information, promoting culture and reflecting ground realities to wider audiences.
Officials noted that the Ramgarh transmitter is part of a broader effort to strengthen the reach of public broadcasting services in border areas. The facility is expected to enhance both radio and television outreach in Jaisalmer and adjoining regions, contributing to improved communication infrastructure along the international frontier.
The initiative aligns with the government’s vision of expanding dedicated broadcast infrastructure “from Kashmir to Kutch,” ensuring systematic and comprehensive coverage across India’s border belt. Enhanced broadcasting services are expected to improve access to government information, educational programmes, public awareness campaigns and emergency communications in remote areas.
During the event, Vaishnaw also interacted with young officers of Prasar Bharati and encouraged them to play an active role in modernising the public broadcasting ecosystem.
The ceremony at Akashvani Jaipur was attended by Rajasthan Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar, Jaipur MP Manju Sharma and Akashvani Director General Rajeev Kumar Jain. Jaisalmer MP Umedaram Beniwal joined the programme virtually.
The launch of the Ramgarh transmitter is expected to further strengthen communication connectivity in India’s western border region while reinforcing the role of public broadcasting as a vital link between government initiatives and local communities.
