BSNL and NRL Sign Historic MoU to Deploy India’s First 5G CNPN in Refinery Sector

A major leap toward Industry 4.0 as BSNL and Numaligarh Refinery collaborate to implement indigenous 5G Captive Non-Public Network, empowering India's industrial digital transformation.

In a significant stride toward India's industrial modernization and digital empowerment, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) have entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaborative agreement was signed during the "Industry 4.0 Workshop for CPSEs", held in Guwahati under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders from Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to deliberate on strategies for embracing Industry 4.0 technologies—a term that refers to the fourth industrial revolution, driven by intelligent automation, interconnected systems, and real-time data exchange.

India's First 5G CNPN in the Refinery Sector

At the core of this collaboration lies a groundbreaking initiative: the deployment of India’s first 5G CNPN (Captive Non-Public Network) within the refinery sector. A 5G CNPN is a dedicated and private 5G network, built specifically for industrial use cases, offering ultra-reliable, low-latency, and secure wireless communication.

The BSNL-NRL partnership aims to leverage this indigenous 5G infrastructure for mission-critical operations, ensuring enhanced control over data flow, network performance, and cybersecurity—without relying on public internet networks.

Industry 4.0 Technologies to Transform CPSEs

The collaboration is a forward-looking effort to empower CPSEs with a suite of transformative technologies, including:

• Digital Twins – virtual replicas of physical systems used for real-time monitoring and simulation

• AR/VR/MR (Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality) – immersive environments for advanced training and operational simulations

• 3D Printing with AI – additive manufacturing supported by artificial intelligence for design optimization

• IoT (Internet of Things) – interconnected sensors and devices for real-time data collection and automation

• Big Data Analytics – advanced data processing to derive actionable insights

The integration of these technologies promises to boost operational efficiency, enhance safety, and support predictive maintenance in highly complex environments like refineries.

Whole-of-Government Approach & Regional Impact

The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) commended the initiative, calling it a textbook example of the “Whole of Government” (WoG) approach. This policy encourages unified inter-departmental collaboration to tackle national challenges.

Beyond technological advancement, the MoU is poised to generate new employment opportunities, promote skilling, and boost digital infrastructure, especially in the North Eastern Region (NER)—an area identified as vital to India's inclusive development goals.

A Major Step Toward Atmanirbhar Bharat & Digital India

Speaking on the occasion, BSNL emphasized its role in driving India’s transition toward a digitally intelligent and self-reliant economy. “The deployment of a dedicated 5G CNPN at NRL will mark a technological leap—not only in connectivity but in redefining how core industries can operate in the future,” a BSNL spokesperson noted.

This partnership supports Digital India, the Government's flagship initiative aimed at transforming India into a digitally empowered society. By deploying indigenous 5G infrastructure, the collaboration also furthers the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, which seeks to reduce dependency on foreign technology and promote home-grown innovation.

Scalable and Replicable for Other Sectors

Importantly, the BSNL-NRL partnership is not just a one-time pilot project. It is being positioned as a replicable model for other industrial sectors in India. From steel to shipping, this approach could revolutionize how industries modernize, train their workforce, and maintain competitiveness in the global market.

Green Logistics and Efficiency Gains

Another critical benefit is the environmental impact. By enabling technologies that streamline operations and reduce downtime, industries can cut down on waste, emissions, and energy use—making India’s industrial ecosystem cleaner and more efficient.

A Milestone in India's Tech-Driven Future

The signing of this MoU is not just a document; it’s a symbolic and practical step toward aligning India’s industrial backbone with next-generation technologies. From enhancing refinery operations to laying the foundation for 5G-powered smart factories, this collaboration between BSNL and NRL sets the stage for a new era of digital industrial transformation in India.

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