BSNL, Numaligarh Refinery Sign Pact to Deploy India’s First 5G Private Network in Refinery Sector

In a significant step toward industrial digital transformation, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) to establish India’s first captive non-public 5G network (CNPN) in the refinery sector. The agreement was formalized during the Industry 4.0 Workshop for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), held under the Ministry of Finance in Guwahati.

The partnership aims to implement a secure, high-speed 5G private network to support mission-critical refinery operations. Utilizing BSNL’s recently launched indigenous 4G core and its allocated 5G spectrum, the initiative is expected to offer enhanced real-time communication, reliability, and data security tailored to industrial environments.

BSNL Chairman A Robert J Ravi described the collaboration as a “technology breakthrough,” signaling a transformative shift in how core sectors like refineries operate. He emphasized that such initiatives align with the government’s vision of building a digitally empowered and self-reliant India.

Papa Sudhakara Rao, Director of Enterprise Business at BSNL, called the agreement a landmark achievement that positions public sector undertakings at the forefront of adopting advanced 5G and Industry 4.0 technologies.

The proposed 5G CNPN will serve as a model for similar deployments across other CPSEs, enabling advanced features like digital twin technology, AI-driven analytics, immersive AR/VR training, and robust cybersecurity.

With the successful rollout of this project, BSNL and NRL aim to set a precedent for digital innovation in the public sector, reinforcing India’s broader efforts to modernize industrial infrastructure using next-generation technologies.