BSNL, NRL Sign MoU To Launch India’s First 5G CNPN In Refinery Sector

Dispur, Aug 4 (KNN) In a move to accelerate India’s industrial modernisation and digital transformation, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deploy the country’s first 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) in the refinery sector.

The agreement was formalised during the ‘Industry 4.0 Workshop for CPSEs’, held in Guwahati under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance.

The MoU sets the stage for deploying ultra-reliable, low-latency, and secure 5G infrastructure to support mission-critical operations at NRL. 

The initiative marks a pioneering use of indigenous digital technology in core industry applications and is expected to drive the adoption of transformative Industry 4.0 technologies such as Digital Twins, IoT, AR/VR/MR, AI-driven 3D printing, and real-time big data analytics.

Speaking at the event, the Secretary, DPE, hailed the partnership as a model of the ‘Whole of Government’ (WoG) approach, aligning with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. 

He emphasised the initiative’s potential to boost industrial efficiency, enhance digital skilling, and create employment opportunities, particularly in the North Eastern Region.

The Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), NRL highlighted the impact of the 5G CNPN on operational efficiency and cybersecurity, calling it a ‘game-changing moment’ for India’s refinery sector.

He noted that the integration of advanced digital tools would enable real-time monitoring, immersive training modules, and smarter plant management.

CMD BSNL, A. Robert J. Ravi, described the collaboration as a strategic milestone in India’s digital journey. 

“This partnership reflects BSNL’s commitment to equipping strategic sectors with future-ready digital infrastructure. The deployment of 5G CNPN at NRL is not just about faster connectivity—it’s about reimagining how industries function,” he said.

(KNN Bureau)