I&B Ministry
Government extends BIND scheme as Doordarshan, AIR expand coverage nationwide
Tamil Nadu gets new FM transmitters and upgraded studios as public broadcasting network grows
NEW DELHI: India’s public broadcasters are turning up the signal. The government has extended the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme until March 31, 2027, continuing investments in modernising Doordarshan and Akashvani while expanding coverage across rural, coastal, hilly and border regions.
Replying to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, minister of state for information and broadcasting L. Murugan said the BIND Scheme, approved with an outlay of Rs 2,539.61 crore for 2021-26, is supporting the development and modernisation of broadcasting infrastructure across the country.
The scheme covers the installation and modernisation of transmitters and studios, expansion of the DD Free Dish direct-to-home platform, enhancement of Doordarshan television channels, and upgrades to production and transmission facilities.
According to the government, projects under the scheme include transmitter upgrades, FM radio expansion, replacement of obsolete equipment, digitisation and network expansion to bridge broadcasting gaps in underserved regions, including the Arani Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu.
The government said Akashvani now reaches around 98 per cent of India’s population and 90 per cent of the country’s geographical area through its combined medium wave and FM network, with efforts continuing to improve coverage further.
Tamil Nadu has been a key beneficiary of recent investments. Over the past three years, the state has seen the commissioning of a 20 kW FM transmitter at Rameswaram, 5 kW FM transmitters at Salem and Vellore, and a 10 kW FM transmitter at Kumbakonam.
Other upgrades include the installation of a Virtual Radio System in Chennai, a new uplink antenna system and UPS at the Chennai Earth Station, automation of programme production facilities, high-definition production capabilities, and new production equipment with LED video walls at Doordarshan Kendra Chennai.
The government also highlighted the launch of the revamped DD Tamil channel in January 2024. The 24×7 high-definition channel broadcasts programmes on Tamil art, culture, literature, heritage, current affairs and news, and is available on the DD Free Dish platform.
In addition, Akashvani operates 17 channels in Tamil Nadu, with live streaming available through the NewsOnAIR mobile application.
To strengthen regional broadcasting, DD Free Dish now carries 28 regional language channels, including Tamil services. The platform also hosts more than 300 co-branded educational channels through Prasar Bharati’s partnership with BISAG-N.
The government said Doordarshan and Akashvani continue to play a key public service role by broadcasting educational, agricultural, cultural and public awareness programmes, while also serving as reliable communication platforms during emergencies and natural disasters. Both broadcasters are also available on the WAVES OTT platform, extending their reach to digital audiences.
