BSNL, NRL partner to bring country’s first 5G captive network to refinery sector

Fact NowAugust 3, 2025

In a landmark move to accelerate India’s digital and industrial transformation, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), informed the Ministry of Communications on Sunday, August 3.

The agreement, finalized at an “Industry 4.0 Workshop” in Guwahati, aims to deploy India’s first 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) in the refinery sector, the Ministry said, adding that the initiative will usher in a new era of secure, ultra-reliable, and real-time industrial connectivity.

This pioneering initiative will provide secure, ultra-reliable, and real-time connectivity for mission-critical operations, using indigenous 5G technology.

#BSNL & #NRL Sign Landmark MoU to Launch India’s First 5G CNPN in the Refinery Sector.

A significant milestone in India’s digital journey! BSNL and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) have partnered to pioneer Industry 4.0 adoption with advanced technologies like 5G CNPN, Digital… pic.twitter.com/1sWQvg23AX

— BSNL India (@BSNLCorporate) August 2, 2025

The Secretary, DPE praised the initiative as a shining example of the government’s “Whole of Government” (WoG) approach, underlining its potential to modernize India’s industrial base, promote advanced skilling, and generate employment opportunities—particularly in the North Eastern Region.

CMD NRL stated that the integration of 5G CNPN will not only enhance operational efficiency and cybersecurity but also enable transformative technologies such as AR/VR-based training, Digital Twins, and real-time IoT applications. He called it a game-changing moment for India’s refinery sector.

CMD of BSNL, A. Robert J. Ravi, remarked, “This partnership exemplifies BSNL’s commitment to empowering India’s strategic sectors with next-generation digital infrastructure. The deployment of a dedicated 5G CNPN at NRL will mark a technological leap forward—not only in connectivity but in redefining how core industries can operate in the future. As a trusted public telecom provider, BSNL is proud to pioneer this journey toward a self-reliant, digitally intelligent Bharat.”

Director (Enterprise Business), BSNL added that this collaboration represents a historic milestone in the adoption of 5G and Industry 4.0 within India’s industrial ecosystem. He reaffirmed BSNL’s commitment to supporting Digital India by offering secure, robust, and future-ready communication infrastructure for CPSEs and enterprises.

“This partnership between BSNL and NRL is expected to set the stage for replicable models across other industrial sectors, reinforcing the Government of India’s vision for a digitally empowered and self-reliant Bharat,” the Ministry stated.