India Approves ₹2,539.61-Crore Modernisation for Doordarshan and Akashvani
India’s Union Cabinet has approved a ₹2,539.61‑crore phase of the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme to modernise public broadcasters Doordarshan and Akashvani, aiming to upgrade infrastructure, expand reach, and strengthen digital delivery under the 2021–26 plan period.[2] The move builds on ongoing technological and content reforms at Prasar Bharati, seeking to position the national broadcasters more effectively in a competitive media environment.[2]
Background to the BIND scheme
The BIND scheme is the central government’s flagship investment framework for upgrading the infrastructure of Prasar Bharati, which operates Doordarshan and Akashvani as India’s public service broadcasters.[2] The scheme covers the 2021–26 period with a total outlay of ₹2,539.61 crore earmarked for modernisation, digitalisation, and coverage expansion.[2] It is designed to replace legacy systems, strengthen broadcast networks and studios, and support the adoption of new technologies across television and radio services.[2]
The latest Cabinet clearance operationalises a substantial phase of this outlay, enabling implementation of projects that have been planned across national, regional, and local broadcasting facilities. According to information placed before Parliament, the scheme’s objectives include improving transmission quality, enhancing disaster-warning capabilities, and extending services to remote and border regions through both terrestrial and satellite means.[2]
Key components of the modernisation drive
The modernisation of Doordarshan and Akashvani under BIND is being structured around a set of core interventions spanning equipment, platforms, and content processes.[2]
Digitalisation and replacement of legacy systems
A central focus of the scheme is the digitalisation of broadcast chains and the replacement of ageing, analogue-era systems with contemporary, software-driven and IP-based solutions.[2] This includes upgrading studios, control rooms, and field production units that support both news and general programming. The shift to digital workflows is expected to streamline production, editing, archiving, and transmission, thereby improving reliability and efficiency across the network.[2]
Legacy transmitters and related equipment, many of which have been in service for decades, are slated for systematic replacement. The programme covers both television transmitters used by Doordarshan and radio transmitters operated by Akashvani, with an emphasis on energy efficiency, spectrum optimisation, and improved audio-visual quality.[2]
Upgradation of studios and production centres
Doordarshan currently operates 66 Programme Production Centres across the country, which serve as hubs for regional and local content creation.[2] Under the BIND scheme, these centres are being upgraded in a phased manner with enhanced cameras, lighting, editing consoles, and automation systems to support high-definition (HD) and multi-platform output.[2]
Studio modernisation is aimed at improving both news and non-news programming, enabling higher technical standards for national events, cultural coverage, and regional language content. It also seeks to raise the production capacity for specialised formats, including documentaries, educational programming, and youth-focused shows, which can be distributed simultaneously through broadcast and digital platforms.[2]
Expansion and strengthening of transmission coverage
The scheme provides for expansion and strengthening of transmission infrastructure so that television and radio services reach a wider population, including areas that currently receive weak, partial, or no signals.[2] For television, this includes upgrading select Doordarshan channels to HD broadcast and improving terrestrial and satellite carriage in underserved regions.[2]
For radio, Akashvani’s extensive network of 591 stations is being supported by replacement and modernisation of transmitters, particularly in regions that are vulnerable to disasters or located along borders and coastlines.[2] Improved coverage is expected to reinforce the role of public broadcasting as a reliable source of timely information, civic messaging, and emergency communication during natural calamities or other contingencies.[2]
Adoption of new technologies and platforms
The BIND scheme explicitly includes the adoption of emerging broadcast and distribution technologies, enabling Prasar Bharati to respond to changing audience behaviour.[2] This includes investments that support high-definition television transmission, digital radio technologies, and integration with broadband and over-the-top (OTT) networks for simultaneous or time-shifted access.[2]
Prasar Bharati’s recently launched OTT platform “WAVES” has been positioned as a key digital pillar of this strategy.[2] Doordarshan channels and other content streams have been integrated on WAVES, alongside existing digital outlets such as the Online NewsOnAir mobile application, to create a more unified and accessible public broadcasting presence across devices.[2]
Content reforms and programming initiatives alongside BIND
While the BIND scheme is infrastructure-led, the government has coupled it with content and operational reforms intended to improve programme variety, quality, and responsiveness to audience needs.[2]
Simplified content sourcing and local participation
In 2024, a simplified Content Sourcing Policy was introduced for Doordarshan to widen participation from independent producers, regional creators, and other content partners.[2] The policy aims to make commissioning and acquisition processes faster, more transparent, and more accessible, thereby enabling a broader range of genres and formats on public television.[2]
Regional and state centres have been directed to regularly launch new programmes and to engage local artists and production talent for regional-language and community-focused content.[2] Artist and casual assignee rates have been revised upward to attract better talent and to strengthen the ecosystem of performers, writers, and technicians who contribute to public broadcasting.[2]
New formats and digital audio-visual offerings on Akashvani
Alongside core radio services, Akashvani has begun to experiment with audio-visual and podcast formats that cater to on-demand consumption.[2] Initiatives such as “The Akashvani Podcast” and “Akashvani Originals” offer curated series that can be accessed on digital platforms, reflecting a convergence between traditional radio programming and streaming-style distribution.[2]
These content initiatives are designed to complement the infrastructure investments under BIND by ensuring that upgraded studios and digital channels are utilised for programming that is relevant to contemporary audiences, including youth and urban listeners, while retaining the public service mandate of information, education, and culture.[2]
Structural and organisational reforms within Akashvani
Structural reforms have also been introduced within Akashvani to clarify responsibilities and integrate market-oriented functions with editorial and technical operations.[2] Defined roles have been created for Cluster Heads and Heads of Offices, with a focus on revenue generation, content improvement, and market outreach.[2] These changes seek to make station management more accountable for both audience engagement and financial performance, within the broader framework of public service broadcasting.
Alternative modes of broadcasting such as apps, OTT platforms, and social media channels are being leveraged through cross-channel publicity and coordinated marketing efforts to expand reach beyond conventional FM and medium-wave listeners.[2] The BIND-funded upgrades to infrastructure and digital workflows underpin these efforts by providing more flexible and multi-platform capable production environments.[2]
Digital presence and the WAVES OTT platform
The Cabinet-backed modernisation plan is closely tied to the strengthening of Prasar Bharati’s digital footprint, particularly through the WAVES OTT platform.[2] WAVES serves as an integrated destination for live and catch-up access to Doordarshan channels, select Akashvani content, and curated shows that have been reformatted for online audiences.[2]
Integration with the NewsOnAir mobile application and other online interfaces allows users to access live radio streams, podcasts, and video programmes through smartphones and connected devices, extending the reach of public broadcasting beyond conventional television and radio sets.[2] As BIND-funded projects upgrade back-end systems, the technical quality and reliability of these digital streams are expected to improve, particularly for high-resolution video and stereo audio.
Role in coverage of major national events
Prasar Bharati’s modernisation is also intended to support the comprehensive coverage of major national events, where Doordarshan and Akashvani continue to play a central role in ensuring wide public outreach.[2] The broadcasters provide live telecasts and special programming for events such as national celebrations, international summits hosted in India, and large-scale cultural gatherings.
Examples cited by the government include the coverage of Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, the WAVES 2025 event in Mumbai, and launches conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).[2] These telecasts require multi-camera production, robust field transmission, and reliable uplinking and distribution, all of which are supported by the equipment upgrades and network enhancements financed under the BIND scheme.[2]
Administrative focus on revenue and sustainability
Although public broadcasting is funded primarily through budgetary support and mandated carriage of government messages, the authorities have emphasised the importance of strengthening non-government revenue streams for long-term sustainability.[2] Measures to enhance revenue include improved client engagement, revenue-oriented content planning, multi-platform promotion, and integrated advertising strategies that span television, radio, and digital platforms.[2]
According to information presented in Parliament, Akashvani and Doordarshan together generated ₹587.78 crore in revenue from the non-government advertisement segment during the 2022–25 period.[2] This performance is being seen in the context of structural reforms and modernisation investments that seek to make the public broadcasters more competitive in an advertising market shared with private channels and digital media platforms.
Parliamentary disclosure and official statements
The details of the modernisation effort and revenue performance were recently outlined in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr L. Murugan, in response to a query from a Member of Parliament.[2] The statement confirmed that the modernisation and upgradation of Prasar Bharati are being undertaken under the BIND scheme with an outlay of ₹2,539.61 crore during 2021–26, covering digitalisation, replacement of legacy systems, studio and transmitter upgradation, coverage expansion, and adoption of new technologies.[2]
“Modernization and upgradation of Prasar Bharati are being undertaken under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme (2021–26) with an outlay of ₹2,539.61 crore. It focuses on digitalization, replacement of legacy systems, studio and transmitter upgradation, coverage expansion and adoption of new technologies.”[2]
The minister also highlighted associated content and structural reforms, including the simplified content sourcing policy, improved compensation for artists and casual assignees, and the introduction of new audio-visual podcast series under Akashvani.[2]
Expected administrative and public impact
Strengthening public service broadcasting capabilities
The Cabinet-backed BIND phase is expected to significantly strengthen India’s public service broadcasting capabilities at a time when citizens are consuming information across multiple platforms and devices. By modernising transmitters, studios, and digital interfaces, Doordarshan and Akashvani are better positioned to provide timely and accurate information, including public health advisories, disaster alerts, and government notifications, to a broad and diverse audience.[2]
Improved technical quality in both audio and video broadcasts may also support clearer dissemination of educational and developmental content, including programmes on agriculture, health, skill development, and financial literacy that are routinely carried by the public broadcasters.
Enhanced reach to remote, border, and disaster-prone areas
Expansion and rationalisation of transmission coverage supported by BIND funding can help bridge gaps in access in remote, border, hilly, and island regions where private media presence may be limited.[2] Strengthened radio networks, in particular, remain vital in areas with low internet penetration or electricity constraints, and during severe weather or disaster situations when terrestrial and mobile networks may be disrupted.
Better-equipped transmitters and relay facilities can improve signal robustness and continuity, helping ensure that essential information and advisories reach vulnerable communities during cyclones, floods, or other emergencies. Public broadcasting infrastructure has traditionally been a backbone for such communication, and the modernisation drive seeks to reinforce this role.
Support for regional languages and cultural diversity
Doordarshan’s network of regional channels and Akashvani’s language services carry a substantial volume of content in Indian languages and dialects that have limited representation on national commercial platforms.[2] Upgraded studios and transmission systems under the BIND scheme can improve the production quality and reach of such programmes, contributing to the preservation and promotion of linguistic and cultural diversity.
By revising artist rates and encouraging local content sourcing, the authorities aim to deepen engagement with regional creative communities and provide them with a more robust platform for performance, storytelling, and cultural expression.[2] The result could be a richer mix of regional programming that is also more accessible through digital platforms.
Greater accessibility through multi-platform delivery
Integration with OTT and mobile platforms such as WAVES and the NewsOnAir app broadens the accessibility of public broadcasting content, particularly for younger audiences and urban users who primarily consume media online.[2] As BIND-funded upgrades enhance encoding, storage, and distribution capabilities, Prasar Bharati can more reliably provide live streams, catch-up content, and on-demand programming across devices.
This multi-platform delivery model allows Doordarshan and Akashvani to serve audiences who may not use traditional television sets or radio receivers, while still maintaining free-to-air access where possible. It also enables new content packaging approaches, such as thematic playlists, curated archives, and interactive formats that are more aligned with digital consumption patterns.
Operational efficiency and long-term cost implications
Digitalisation and replacement of legacy equipment typically help reduce long-term maintenance costs, energy consumption, and downtime associated with ageing infrastructure. While the BIND scheme involves substantial upfront capital investment, the move to more efficient transmitters, automated workflows, and centralised monitoring is expected to improve operational efficiency across Prasar Bharati’s extensive network.[2]
Standardised, modern equipment can simplify procurement, maintenance, and training requirements, enabling more predictable budgeting and better utilisation of technical staff. These administrative efficiencies are an important element of the Cabinet’s modernisation rationale, though detailed cost–benefit figures have not been publicly specified.
Revenue, market positioning, and competition
The public broadcasters operate in a landscape that includes private television networks, FM radio stations, and a rapidly growing set of digital media and OTT platforms. The government’s emphasis on content quality, market outreach, and revenue generation, combined with infrastructure upgrades financed through BIND, is intended to ensure that Doordarshan and Akashvani can retain and grow audiences in this competitive context.[2]
The reported non-government advertisement revenue of ₹587.78 crore for 2022–25 indicates ongoing commercial engagement with brands and agencies.[2] Enhanced technical quality, wider reach, and stronger digital presence may improve the attractiveness of public broadcasting inventory for advertisers, especially for campaigns that seek comprehensive geographic coverage or align with public-interest themes.
At the same time, the government has underscored that revenue initiatives will operate within the framework of public service obligations, which include equitable representation of regions, languages, and communities, as well as the provision of free or subsidised access to essential information.[2] The BIND scheme’s infrastructure investments underpin this dual objective of reach and relevance on one hand, and financial resilience on the other.
Implementation outlook and monitoring
The BIND scheme runs through the 2021–26 period, and the Cabinet approval of the ₹2,539.61‑crore phase provides the financial basis for implementing the proposed modernisation projects within this timeline.[2] Execution involves coordination between the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prasar Bharati, and various technical and procurement agencies tasked with equipment acquisition, installation, and commissioning.
Monitoring of progress is undertaken through internal review mechanisms and periodic reporting to Parliament and other oversight bodies, including updates on infrastructure milestones, coverage expansion, digital platform performance, and revenue trends.[2] As reforms in content sourcing, structural management, and digital strategy proceed in parallel, the effectiveness of the BIND-funded upgrades will be assessed in terms of both technical indicators and audience engagement metrics.
The Cabinet clearance of this phase of BIND signifies a continued policy commitment to public service broadcasting infrastructure, at a time when information access, credible news, and inclusive cultural representation are central to the media environment. The modernisation and digitalisation of Doordarshan and Akashvani, backed by this investment, are expected to shape the way India’s national broadcasters serve citizens across platforms and geographies in the coming years.[2]
