NRL Inks Pact with BSNL to Deploy India's First 5G Captive Non-Public Network
In a significant technological advancement for India’s industrial sector, Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deploy the country’s first-ever 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) within the refinery industry. This pioneering initiative was formalized during the “Industry 4.0 Workshop for CPSEs” held in Guwahati under the Ministry of Finance’s aegis.
Key Highlights of the Partnership
The 5G CNPN aims to deliver ultra-reliable, secure, and real-time connectivity tailored explicitly for refinery operations, facilitating cutting-edge digital technologies including Internet of Things (IoT), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), digital twins, and AI-enabled 3D printing.
This network will enable mission-critical industrial connectivity transforming operational efficiency, workforce training, safety, and cybersecurity at NRL’s refinery facilities.
BSNL brings indigenous 5G infrastructure leveraging its spectrum and telecom expertise, marking a major step toward self-reliant and digitally intelligent Bharat.
The CNPN deployment at NRL is seen as a potential replicable model to accelerate Industry 4.0 adoption across other Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and industrial sectors nationwide.
Statements from Leadership
BSNL Chairman and Managing Director A Robert J Ravi described the deployment as a technological leap, emphasizing BSNL’s role in empowering India’s strategic industries through next-generation digital infrastructure.
NRL’s CMD called the initiative a “game-changing moment” that will radically improve refinery sector operations and bolster cybersecurity and industrial training programs.
Officials highlighted the government’s "Whole of Government" approach, linking digital infrastructure development to skill creation, job opportunities, and industrial
modernization especially in economically significant regions like the Northeast.
Strategic and National Implications
The NRL-BSNL partnership contributes to the larger vision of Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, facilitating a smart and future-ready industrial ecosystem.
Enhanced digital connectivity can improve process automation, predictive maintenance, and environmental compliance in refinery operations.
The collaboration also fosters employment growth and technology skill development in Assam and across India’s industrial hinterlands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About NRL-BSNL 5G Captive Network
Q1: What is a 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN)?
It is an exclusive, secure 5G wireless network dedicated to serving a specific organization’s operational needs, not accessible to the general public.
Q2: Why is this deployment significant?
It is India’s first 5G CNPN in the refinery sector, showcasing cutting-edge industrial digital transformation.
Q3: How does it benefit refinery operations?
By enabling real-time monitoring, advanced analytics, enhanced cybersecurity, and immersive training technologies.
Q4: Where is NRL located?
Numaligarh Refinery is located in Assam, in Northeast India.
Q5: What role does BSNL play in the partnership?
BSNL provides the telecom infrastructure and expertise to build and operate the 5G CNPN.
Published on: August 4, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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