Udupi: Union Minister for Railways and Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the new All India Radio (Akashvani) FM transmission station in Udupi on Friday, November 13, fulfilling a long-standing demand of radio listeners in the district.
Built at a cost of approximately Rs 2.85 crore, the station has a transmission capacity of 1 kilowatt and will broadcast at 101.9 MHz. Its signal is expected to cover an area within a radius of around 30 km, benefiting listeners in Udupi and neighbouring areas.
The new facility is expected to improve access to Akashvani programmes for residents in and around the district. The inauguration marks an addition to the broadcasting infrastructure in coastal Karnataka.
Udupi MP Kota Srinivasa Poojary, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, and MLAs Yashpal Suvarna, Gururaja Gantihole and Kiran Kumar Kodgi were among those present at the inauguration.
New FM station fulfils long-standing demand
The establishment of the 1 kW FM transmission station addresses the demand for improved Akashvani coverage in Udupi. Broadcasting on 101.9 MHz, the facility is designed to serve listeners within an approximate 30-km radius.
At an investment of Rs 2.85 crore, the station is expected to strengthen the reach of public broadcasting in the region. Akashvani’s programmes provide access to news, information, educational content, cultural programming and other broadcasts.
The new station will be particularly beneficial to listeners in areas where access to the existing FM signal may have been limited.
States’ consent required for Konkan Railway merger
Speaking at an event in Udupi, Ashwini Vaishnaw said the consent of Karnataka and Kerala would be required for the proposed merger of Konkan Railway with Indian Railways.
He also referred to plans for railway infrastructure improvements along the Konkan Railway route. These include completing double-tracking work at around 10 railway stations and taking up a project involving two tunnels.
The minister also indicated that steps would be taken to upgrade Byndoor and Barkur railway stations after discussions with the local legislator.
The proposed improvements are significant for the coastal region, where railway connectivity plays an important role in passenger movement and tourism. The Konkan Railway route connects several important destinations along the western coast and serves as a vital transport corridor.
Minister visits Sri Krishna Matha
Ashwini Vaishnaw arrived in Udupi from Mangaluru by train and was welcomed by MPs and MLAs. Following the inauguration and official engagements, he visited Sri Krishna Matha and offered prayers.
The minister received phala-mantrakshate (blessed offerings) and sought the blessings of Sri Vedavardhana Teertha Sripada of Sri Shiroor Matha, which currently holds the Paryaya authority.
Udayakumar Saralathaya, Diwan of Shiroor Matha, was present during the visit.
The visit to the renowned Krishna temple was part of the minister’s programme in Udupi, which included engagements related to broadcasting and railway development.
Railway development important for Udupi tourism
Udupi is among Karnataka’s prominent tourism destinations, attracting visitors to its temples, beaches, coastal attractions and religious centres. Improved railway infrastructure is important for supporting the movement of tourists as well as local commuters.
The proposed upgrades at Byndoor and Barkur stations, along with double-tracking and tunnel-related works on the Konkan Railway route, could strengthen connectivity along the coast.
The inauguration of the new Akashvani FM station adds to the district’s communication infrastructure. With a 30-km broadcast range, the facility is expected to benefit listeners in Udupi and surrounding areas.
The focus on broadcasting and railway connectivity during the minister’s visit has brought attention to two important areas of public infrastructure. Timely implementation of the proposed railway improvements, alongside the new FM facility, could further support Udupi’s tourism sector and public transport network.