MUMBAI: In a bid to climb up the ladder and match steps with the changes being witnessed in the FM radio space, All India Radio is now aiming to set up a relay station in Pudukottai and Karur districts of Tamil Nadu, to expand the reach and connectivity of its FM Rainbow channel.

AIR has submitted written requests to the district collectors for provision of five acres land required to set up the relay stations. The requirements include a 100 watt FM transmitter and other infrastructure to cover the 20 km surroundings.

Speaking with Radioandmusic.com, AIR and Doordarshan additional director general programme and administration south G Jayalal said, "We have sent across a proposal to have a relay transmitter which will help us increase the reach and connectivity in the area. But all that depends after the transmitter is installed, as the connectivity will be under purview."

At present, the reach of the 10 KW transmitter for the Rainbow FM channel is 60 km and covers parts of Thanjavur and Pudukottai districts.

As per reports, the local MP P Kumar made a plea to Jayalal to fasten the pace of work on the Pudukottai FM station, and once commissioned it would be tenth FM station in the state under the control of the union government.

The plans were revealed during the Platinum Jubilee celebration of All India Radio Trichy. Having completed 74 years, AIR Trichy has scope to develop keeping pace with scientific developments.

With All India Radio all geared up to transition to digital, work on implementing the DRM transmitters has been fast paced in stations across the country. Jayalal also revealed that the DRM shift in the Trichy station is stated to commence by September 2013.

"By May 2014, the 1000 KW DRM transmitter will be implemented in the Trichy station. The government also has elaborate plans for the procedure here," he added.