In a push for Industry 4.0, BSNL and NRL plan a refinery 5G CNPN, claiming to be India’s first; enabling IoT, automation, and advanced industrial connectivity.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deploy what is described as India’s first 5G captive non-public network (CNPN) in the refinery sector.
The agreement was formalised during the ‘Industry 4.0 Workshop for CPSEs’ held in Guwahati under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance.
The workshop was attended by officials from the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), BSNL, NRL, Assam Electronics Development Corporation Limited (AMTRON), and various Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
Discussions covered the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, including Digital Twins, 3D printing with AI, virtual formulation, AR/VR/MR, the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics, to improve industrial processes and operational efficiency.
According to the MoU, BSNL and NRL will work together to implement a dedicated 5G CNPN at the refinery site. The network is intended to provide secure, high-reliability, and low-latency connectivity for industrial applications.
Potential uses cited include augmented and virtual reality training, real-time IoT-based monitoring, and digital twin simulations.
Officials at the event said the project could contribute to industrial modernisation and support the development of skilled manpower. The deployment is also expected to enhance cybersecurity and support advanced automation in refinery operations.
BSNL representatives stated that the partnership reflects their ongoing efforts to provide advanced communication infrastructure to strategic sectors, while NRL officials noted the possible benefits for operational performance and safety.
The initiative is positioned as part of a broader move to encourage the adoption of Industry 4.0 in CPSEs and other industries. It is also intended to serve as a model for similar applications in other sectors, aligning with national policies to promote digital infrastructure and technological self-reliance.
However, further details on the rollout timeline, investment figures, and operational framework for the 5G CNPN have not been disclosed.
