Kalimpong to get Digital FM Transmitter

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista informed about the inaguration ceremony and on Wednesday he met Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur and requested him to make use of the Prasar Bharati assets in Kalimpong and upgrade it to FM Broadcasting station

PRASHANT ACHARYA, EOI, SILIGURI, JANUARY 17, 2024 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually lay the foundation stone for the establishment of a Digital FM Transmitter in Kalimpong on January 19. 

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista informed about the inaguration ceremony and on Wednesday he met Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur and requested him to make use of the Prasar Bharati assets in Kalimpong and upgrade it to FM Broadcasting station. 

"For the past many years, I have been working diligently to ensure the upgradation of All India Radio infrastructure in our region, and I had requested the Minister for the upgradation" said Bista. 

Under the “Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development” scheme of the Centre, a Digital FM Transmitter will be installed in Kalimpong at an estimated cost of Rs 3.36 crore. With its establishment, the residents of Kalimpong town and its adjoining areas would be able to enjoy crystal clear sound of FM programmes. 

This station would also play a vital role in nurturing and promoting the local talents and folk artists and generating employment opportunities to local youth. 

“In the past five years we have been able to ensure major technological upgradation for All India Radio infrastructure in our region. AIR Kurseong has been upgraded as the ‘National Hub for Nepali news bulletin and Programmes in India’ since December 2022. 

The Nepali news bulletin and programmes produced at Akashvani Kurseong are now being heard all across India.” Raju Bista said. 

“Around twenty five to 30 talented young men and women have been engaged in the news unit. Now, anyone in the world can listen to the Nepali programmes of Akashvani Kurseong through live streaming and NEWS ON AIR app by mobile. 

The 10 KW FM Transmitter of Darjeeling had also started relaying Nepali programmes of Akashvani Kurseong, he said. As a result, every nook and corner of Darjeeling district was now getting a better FM signal and people were able to listen to Nepali news, entertainment programmes. 

A music based programme in Nepali language titled “Saptarangi” was being broadcast in DD Bangla Channel since August 2022 and had become hugely popular. All the local music/dance groups in our Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region were getting a chance to show their talent. 

Bista also said: "My greater vision is to ensure the development of a DD Gorkha Channel.