BSNL and NRL Ink Historic MoU to Launch India’s First 5G CNPN in Refinery Sector

In a landmark move set to fast-track India’s transition to Industry 4.0, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly deploy India’s first 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) in the refinery sector. The MoU was formalized during the “Industry 4.0 Workshop for CPSEs,” organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance in Guwahati.

The high-profile workshop saw participation from key dignitaries including the Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), CMD NRL, Director (Enterprise Business) BSNL, MD NRL, MD AMTRON, and senior officials from the Ministry and various Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).

Discussions focused on scaling up Industry 4.0 technologies such as Digital Twins, 5G CNPN, IoT, AR/VR/MR, 3D Printing integrated with AI, Big Data Analytics, and Virtual Formulation—as part of a broader effort to modernize India’s industrial base, drive innovation, and bolster Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Key Highlights of the MoU

• First-of-its-kind 5G CNPN deployment in the Indian refinery sector.

• Aimed at secure, ultra-reliable, and real-time connectivity for mission-critical operations.

• Will support digital transformation in refining, workforce skilling, and employment generation in the North Eastern Region.

Calling the initiative a “game changer,” CMD NRL highlighted the operational and cybersecurity enhancements that 5G CNPN will bring, along with enabling cutting-edge tech such as AR/VR-based training and real-time IoT applications.

A. Robert J. Ravi, CMD, BSNL, remarked, “This MoU symbolizes BSNL’s dedication to building a digitally intelligent Bharat. Our partnership with NRL will be a national model for next-gen infrastructure deployment in strategic sectors.”

Adding to this, BSNL’s Director (Enterprise Business) described the agreement as a “historic milestone” and reaffirmed BSNL’s commitment to delivering secure, robust, and future-ready infrastructure in alignment with Digital India.

The Secretary, DPE, praised the collaboration as a shining example of the Government’s “Whole of Government” (WoG) approach, emphasizing its potential to catalyze innovation, enhance productivity, and create high-tech employment opportunities—particularly in underserved regions.

This MoU is expected to serve as a replicable model for other industrial sectors, reinforcing the Government of India’s vision of a self-reliant, digitally empowered Bharat.