NEW DELHI: All India Radio spent Rs 137.25 crore (provisional) during 2015-16 on digitisation and upgradation of its infrastructure against a total allocation of Rs 205.13 crore.

AIR sources told radioandmusic.com that the total expenditure for 2015-16 was still being tabulated

It had spent Rs 209.82 crore against the allocation of Rs 188.65 crore during 2014-15, and Rs 169.35 crore against Rs 142.13 crore in 2013-14.

As part of upgradation, 23 channels of AIR have already been provided on Doordarshan’s direct-to-home Freedish platform.

Thirteen popular channels of All India Radio have already been provided on the internet platform and can be received by browsing AIR’s website <allindiaradio.gov.in> and by downloading suitable apps on iOS/Android/ Windows based mobile phones.

Claiming that digitisation was at an advanced stage, the sources said more AIR Channels are also being provided on Doordarshan’s DTH and internet platform (DD Free Dish).

The popular Vividh Bharati service has already been put on FM mode in the four metro cities.

Despite the current emphasis by Prasar Bharati on FM, the sources added that 35 valve based MW transmitters have been replaced by digital transmitters - Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM).

A total of 77 old FM transmitters are being replacement or upgraded under the schemes approved under 12th plan.

The digital archival facilities at the four Metros and Hyderabad have been completed and are under implementation in Guwahati.

The sources said the broadcast hours of most of the FM transmitters have been optimised and increased to about 18 hours.

A total of 127 Digital (Stereo) Microwave Links are also being provided in AIR network for better Studio Transmitter connectivity.