India’s digital radio revolution has gained remarkable momentum, with over 11.9 million (1.19 crore) passenger cars on the road as of July 2025 already equipped with DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) receivers — a figure forecast to surpass 13 million (1.3 crore) by the end of this year, according to industry experts.
The adoption of DRM digital radio is driven primarily by in-car listening, a key factor in the success of India’s ongoing digital broadcast roll-out.
As India celebrates a decade of digital radio progress, the growth of DRM integration in the automotive sector stands out as a globally exceptional success story. From the first factory-fitted DRM receivers launched nearly ten years ago to today’s thriving ecosystem, the momentum has only accelerated.
Industry data indicates that one in every three passenger cars sold in India over the past decade has been equipped with DRM receivers — enabling millions of drivers to access DRM broadcasts that now reach more than 900 million people nationwide.
This milestone highlights the strong and steady integration of DRM across India’s automotive industry. Today, DRM-enabled cars from all major manufacturers — including Maruti Suzuki, Tata, Mahindra, Hyundai, MG, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota — are already on Indian roads, reflecting the wide industry adoption and cementing DRM as the established digital radio standard for in-car listening in India.
By embracing DRM digital radio, an open, global digital radio standard, India’s automotive and receiver industries have fostered local innovation, technical advancement, and long-term sustainability. This growing industry ecosystem stands as a prime example of the Make in India and Digital India initiatives, contributing to the nation’s broader digital transformation.
With nationwide DRM coverage provided by All India Radio (AIR), millions of drivers can enjoy FM-like digital sound quality on the AM band with its superior coverage, along with exclusive digital-only services such as AIR News 24/7 and live cricket commentary. The large installed base of DRM-enabled cars provides a ready listener base for the digitisation of FM services, which often can be activated through software upgrades.
With its growing installed base and the only digital radio standard capable of covering all broadcast bands, DRM Digital Radio offers a future-ready solution for India’s next phase of digital broadcasting.
