New Delhi: In a move aimed at propelling India's digital transformation and industrial modernisation, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the Ministry of Communications announced on Sunday.

First 5G CNPN in the refinery sector

The agreement sets the stage for deploying India’s first Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) based on 5G technology within the refinery sector. According to the ministry's statement, the initiative will usher in a new era of secure, ultra-reliable, and real-time industrial connectivity. It also represents a pioneering step in leveraging indigenous 5G infrastructure for mission-critical operations.

A replicable model for industry

The BSNL-NRL partnership is expected to serve as a model for replication across other industrial sectors, further strengthening the government’s vision for a digitally empowered and self-reliant Bharat.

The MoU was formalised during the 'Industry 4.0 Workshop' for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), organised under the Ministry of Finance in Guwahati. Senior dignitaries in attendance included the Secretary of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), CMD of NRL, Director (Enterprise Business) of BSNL, MD of NRL, MD of AMTRON, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and various CPSEs.

Empowering CPSEs with industry 4.0

The workshop focused on encouraging CPSEs to adopt transformative Industry 4.0 technologies, such as 5G CNPN, Digital Twins, 3D Printing with AI, Virtual Formulation, Augmented/Virtual/Mixed Reality (AR/VR/MR), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data Analytics. The objective is to foster innovation, improve efficiency, and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

The Secretary of the Department of Public Enterprises lauded the partnership as a shining example of the Government’s ‘Whole of Government’ approach. He underlined its potential to modernise India’s industrial base, enhance advanced skill development, and generate employment opportunities, especially in the North Eastern Region.

Industry leaders react

NRL’s Chairman and Managing Director remarked that integrating 5G CNPN would significantly improve operational efficiency and cybersecurity. He highlighted that the deployment would also support transformative technologies such as AR/VR-based training, Digital Twins, and real-time IoT applications. He described the development as “a game-changing moment for India’s refinery sector.”

A. Robert J. Ravi, BSNL’s Chairman and Managing Director, echoed this sentiment. He said, “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.”

He further stated that BSNL aims to support Digital India by offering “secure, robust, and future-ready communication infrastructure for CPSEs and other companies.”

IANS inputs