Udupi: Akashvani expanded its broadcasting presence in coastal Karnataka on Friday with a new FM service in Udupi on 101.9 MHz, inaugurated by Union information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The 1-KW transmitter will relay Akashvani Mangalore programmes to improve access in Udupi.The service will provide information, education and entertainment, promote local culture, literature, music, art and regional traditions, and carry programmes on local, regional and national issues, officials said.Its launch coincides with Akashvani Mangalore’s golden jubilee in 2026, marking 50 years of broadcasting and public service. Established in 1976 as Karnataka’s sixth broadcasting station, it was inaugurated on Dec 11-1976 by then Union information and broadcasting minister VC Shukla. Its permanent studio was commissioned on Nov 17-1977.Akashvani Mangalore operates studios and a 10-KW FM transmitter in Mangaluru. Its 100.3-MHz FM service was commissioned on Oct 15-2002, while its infrastructure includes a 20-KW MW transmitter at Brahmavar.The station serves Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kasargod districts in Keralam, and parts of Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu districts. It broadcasts in Kannada, English, Hindi, Tulu, Konkani and Sanskrit. Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Kota Shrinivas Poojary, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta and Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna attended the inauguration.Udupi railway station upgradeVaishnaw also told reporters that Udupi railway station would be upgraded. “I have told officials to look for new platforms, find out whether we can create more capacity and also look at the local architecture. This is a very important religious and educational hub. Hence, we have to look at how we can get more and more facilities in Udupi,” he added.Asked about the proposed merger of Konkan Railways with Indian Railways, Vaishnaw said it required permission from Karnataka and Keralam govts. “We have been trying to get it,” he said.The minister visited Mahatobhara Sri Mangaladevi Temple in Mangaluru and Sri Krishna mutt in Udupi.MLC PV Mohan submitted a memorandum to the railway minister seeking development of Padil railway station in Mangaluru. He said Padil was an additional major railway junction and satellite passenger terminal for the city. He also sought an immediate stoppage for Panchaganga Superfast Express and passenger amenities at the station.
