Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates new Akashvani FM transmitter in Udupi

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Sri Krishna Mutt in Udupi on Friday. He met Vedavardhana Tirtha, the Paryaya seer and head of Shiroor Mutt. | Photo Credit: UMESH S. SHETTIGAR Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the new 1 kilowatt (kW) FM transmitter of Akashvani in Udupi on Friday.The new FM transmitter on 101.9 MHz frequency will broadcast the programmes of Akashvani, Mangaluru, enhancing access to quality radio content among listeners in Udupi and neighbouring areas, an Akashvani release said.The commissioning of the Udupi FM service marks an important step in strengthening public broadcasting infrastructure in the coastal region, it said.The service will provide a platform for information, education and entertainment while promoting local culture, literature, music, art and regional traditions. It will also facilitate public engagement through programmes addressing issues of local, regional and national importance, the Akashvani said.The inauguration came at a significant time for Akashvani, Mangaluru, which is celebrating its golden jubilee in 2026, marking 50 years of broadcasting and public service.The Mangaluru station serves Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts and Kasaragod district of Keralam, with parts of Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu districts. The new Udupi FM service will further strengthen its terrestrial broadcasting presence in the coastal region, the release said.Meanwhile, Mr. Vaishnaw, also Minister for Railways, visited Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple in Udupi on the day. He was accompanied by Members of Parliament Capt. Brijesh Chowta and Kota Srinivas Poojary. Published - November 13, 2026 07:00 pm IST