Communication Overhaul: MHA clears procurement of new digital radios for J&K Police
Srinagar, Nov 25: In a major upgrade to its communication infrastructure, the Jammu and Kashmir Police is set to procure 891 digital handheld VHF transceivers and 66 digital VHF base transceiver units under the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) modernisation programme.
The procurement, listed under number 2025/B/6914244, covers next-generation VHF base and mobile radios fully compliant with MHA’s QR (Q2) technical standards.
A senior police officer told Rising Kashmir that the force has initiated steps to equip field units with secure, encrypted communication systems offering improved range, clarity, and reliability, capabilities essential for counter-insurgency operations, border management, and law-and-order duties.
The officer said the new equipment would “fill a critical technological gap” in the force’s communication setup. “These digital VHF radios are not just replacements; they mark a shift to a higher class of secure communication. With encryption, better network stability, and enhanced interoperability, our operations will become faster, safer, and more coordinated,” he said.
The handheld radios fall under the Digital Hand-held VHF Transceiver category and adhere to MHA’s QR (Q2) guidelines, which mandate digital compatibility, secure encryption, GPS functionality, emergency alerts, and resistance to harsh weather—features crucial for policing in Kashmir’s challenging terrain.
A senior officer from the Communication Wing noted that the region’s mountainous landscape requires more rugged systems than those used elsewhere. “Radios must withstand extreme cold, moisture, and unpredictable terrain shadows. The new VHF systems have been tested for such conditions and will significantly improve signal reliability,” he said.
The communication upgrade also includes 66 digital VHF base/mobile transceiver sets, to be deployed across police stations, district headquarters, and mobile command vehicles. These base systems serve as the backbone of the police radio network, ensuring seamless coordination between ground units and control rooms.
Officials said the procurement is part of the broader MHA-funded Police Modernisation Programme, which prioritises communication upgrades, mobility enhancement, and weaponry renewal. In recent years, the J&K Police has added several modern tools—from satellite trackers to advanced surveillance systems, to bolster operational readiness.
“Communication is the lifeline of policing, especially in high-risk zones like Jammu and Kashmir. These new radios will enable faster decision-making, real-time updates, and secure transmission of tactical information. They will also strengthen disaster-response capabilities during floods, landslides, and snow emergencies,” officials said.
The contract documentation specifies 891 handheld units and 66 base, mobile units, with procurement expected to be finalized after technical evaluations and commercial approvals. Vendors certified under the MHA QR (Q2) framework have already been notified.
Officials noted that once deployed, the new systems will replace older analog sets still in use in many districts, bringing all communication channels under a unified, secure, digital network.
The procurement, they said, marks one of the largest communication upgrades for the J&K Police in recent years.
