One Mega Watt (1000 kW) Medium Wave Transmitter at Rajkot was initially commissioned on 1.7.1971 to broadcast the external services of All India Radio particularly in Urdu, Sindhi and Baluchi for the benefit of audiences across the western borders of India. Now this transmitter has been replaced by a new DRM transmitter of the same capacity, supplied by M/s Thomson, France. The transmitter is ready for commissioning.
The transmitter is capable of broadcasting in analogue, simulcast and DRM Modes. Initially, the programmes will be broadcast in simulcast mode. The normal programmes will be broadcast in analogue mode and the popular Vividh Bharati Service of All India Radio will be broadcast in DRM mode. With the commissioning of this transmitter, there will be significant improvement in the audio reception quality and reliability of signal in the target area.
Total hours of broadcast will be 14 hrs 15 minutes per day. The transmission timings will be from 0545 hrs to 1000 hrs, 1400 hrs to 1700 hrs and from 1800 hrs to 0100 hrs.
The transmitter is already carrying test transmissions and formal date of commissioning is expected to be announced soon.
O K Sharma, Deputy Director General (AIR)
