In a groundbreaking move toward industrial modernization and digital transformation, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has partnered with Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) to deploy India’s first private 5G network within a refinery sector. This historic deployment of a 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) marks a milestone for India’s industrial ecosystem, blending cutting-edge technology with strengthened operational efficiency and security.
Key Highlights of the BSNL-NRL 5G Network Deployment:
BSNL and NRL signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the “Industry 4.0 Workshop for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)” under the Ministry of Finance, setting the foundation for this first-of-its-kind captive 5G network in India’s oil refinery sector.
The 5G CNPN will offer ultra-reliable, low-latency, and secure real-time connectivity customized to meet mission-critical industrial applications and operational needs within the refinery environment.
This indigenous 5G infrastructure deployment aligns with the Government of India's vision of a digitally empowered and self-reliant Bharat, establishing a replicable model for other industrial sectors across the country.
The network is expected to power transformative Industry 4.0 technologies in NRL, such as Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring, digital twins, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) based training, AI-driven 3D printing, and big data analytics.
BSNL holds relevant 5G spectrum and has leveraged this asset for the refinery’s private network, signaling a strategic shift from broad consumer markets to tailored industrial connectivity solutions.
Officials from BSNL and NRL, including BSNL Chairman and Managing Director A. Robert J. Ravi and NRL Managing Director Bhaskar Jyoti Phukan, highlighted the deployment as a technologically transformative leap that promises to enhance operational productivity, safety, and cybersecurity.
The project not only boosts operational efficiency through real-time data and automation capabilities but also strengthens cybersecurity frameworks necessary for safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised the initiative as a major step forward for Digital Assam and Atmanirbhar Bharat, anticipating extensive benefits for the region’s economy and industrial innovation.
Understanding the Impact of Private 5G in Refinery Operations:
Refinery environments demand rigorous safety standards, precise operational control, and seamless data flow for automation and monitoring. Traditional connectivity systems have often fallen short in delivering the high throughput, ultra-low latency, and secure channels needed for Industry 4.0. The BSNL-NRL 5G CNPN is a closed-loop network tailored exclusively for the refinery, ensuring guaranteed quality of service for sensitive applications like robotics, predictive maintenance, and immersive employee training through AR/VR.
This deployment sets a new benchmark for how core industrial sectors in India can leverage sovereign technology solutions to power digital transformation, reduce operational risks, and improve resource utilization while keeping data privacy and security under strict control.
Broader Significance and Future Outlook:
The successful rollout at Numaligarh Refinery is expected to catalyze future private 5G CNPN initiatives across sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, chemicals, energy, and public infrastructure. BSNL’s leadership in this domain positions it as a key enabler of India’s Industry 4.0 ambitions and digital infrastructure self-sufficiency.
The project underscores the importance of public sector collaboration in fostering innovation, skill development, and employment, especially in industrial clusters and economically strategic regions like Assam. It also complements India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat by showcasing indigenous technology capabilities in critical sectors.
As private 5G networks proliferate, they promise to create a digitally integrated industrial landscape where intelligent automation, real-time analytics, and immersive experiences collectively drive productivity and sustainability.
Conclusion:
BSNL’s deployment of India’s first private 5G network inside Numaligarh Refinery is a landmark achievement in the nation’s industrial digital journey. This initiative underscores the country’s technical prowess and commitment to Industry 4.0 adoption, setting a robust model for secure, mission-critical, and real-time industrial connectivity. By converging advanced technologies with strategic public sector partnerships, BSNL and NRL are reshaping how India’s core industries operate, innovate, and compete on a global scale.
Source: Trak.in, Economic Times, Telecom Economic Times, Ministry of Communications
