BSNL and NRL Ink Historic MoU to Deploy India’s First 5G CNPN in Refinery Sector, Ushering in Industry 4.0 Era.
Guwahati:
In a groundbreaking move toward accelerating India’s digital and industrial evolution, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today during the “Industry 4.0 Workshop for CPSEs,” held under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance in Guwahati.
The MoU paves the way for the deployment of India’s first 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) within the refinery sector, marking a pivotal milestone in the adoption of next-generation digital infrastructure by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). The collaboration aims to modernize refinery operations through cutting-edge technologies such as 5G connectivity, Internet of Things (IoT), Digital Twins, Augmented/Virtual/Mixed Reality (AR/VR/MR), Artificial Intelligence-powered 3D printing, Virtual Formulation, and Big Data Analytics.
The high-profile event saw the presence of key dignitaries including the Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of NRL, Director (Enterprise Business) of BSNL, Managing Director of AMTRON, and senior officials from various CPSEs and the Ministry of Finance.
Pioneering 5G in Refinery Operations
The primary objective of the MoU is the implementation of a dedicated, ultra-secure, and high-speed 5G CNPN network within NRL’s operational landscape. This initiative will serve as a pilot for transforming traditional refinery infrastructure into a smart, automated, and digitally intelligent environment.
The Secretary, DPE lauded the initiative, calling it a “shining example” of the Government of India’s “Whole of Government” (WoG) approach. He emphasized the potential of such partnerships to not only modernize India’s industrial sectors but also create skilled employment and boost economic activity, particularly in the North Eastern Region.
CMD, NRL expressed confidence that the integration of 5G CNPN will significantly improve operational efficiency, enhance cybersecurity protocols, and unlock a range of transformative applications—from AR/VR-based training modules to real-time monitoring through IoT and Digital Twin technology. “This is a game-changer for the Indian refinery sector,” he remarked.
BSNL at the Helm of Digital Empowerment
BSNL CMD, A. Robert J. Ravi, hailed the MoU as a major step in India’s digital journey, stating, “This partnership exemplifies BSNL’s commitment to empowering India’s strategic sectors with next-generation digital infrastructure. The deployment of a dedicated 5G CNPN at NRL will mark a technological leap forward—not only in connectivity but in redefining how core industries can operate in the future.”
He further emphasized that the move aligns with the Government of India’s larger vision of a self-reliant, technologically advanced nation under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
Adding to this, BSNL’s Director (Enterprise Business) said the collaboration represents a historic turning point in the digital transformation of India’s industrial ecosystem. “This MoU is not just a partnership; it’s a blueprint for the future of CPSEs. BSNL is committed to delivering secure, scalable, and robust communication solutions that will drive Industry 4.0 adoption across the country,” he stated.
A Model for Industrial India
This strategic partnership is expected to become a model for replication across other core industries and CPSEs. As India marches toward becoming a global manufacturing and digital powerhouse, the integration of 5G and Industry 4.0 technologies will be essential for achieving operational excellence, sustainability, and competitiveness on a global scale.
The BSNL-NRL MoU stands as a testament to what public-sector collaboration can achieve, setting the stage for a digitally empowered and self-reliant India.
