India’s digital transformation drive received a significant boost with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) entering into a strategic partnership to pioneer Industry 4.0 technologies, including the country’s first 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) deployment in the refinery sector.
The landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during the “Industry 4.0 Workshop for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)” in Guwahati, under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance. The initiative is seen as a critical step in modernising India’s industrial ecosystem through the adoption of next-generation digital infrastructure.
The workshop brought together senior dignitaries including the Secretary of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), the Chairman and Managing Director of NRL, BSNL’s Director (Enterprise Business), the Managing Director of AMTRON, and senior officials from CPSEs and the Ministry of Finance.
Under the terms of the MoU, BSNL and NRL will jointly implement a dedicated 5G CNPN within the refinery sector, a first-of-its-kind move aimed at enabling ultra-secure, high-speed, real-time industrial connectivity tailored for mission-critical operations. The use of indigenous 5G infrastructure is expected to enhance cybersecurity, ensure operational agility, and serve as a cornerstone for future industrial deployments.
Describing the collaboration as a “game-changing moment” for India’s refinery sector, NRL’s CMD said the integration of 5G CNPN would unlock capabilities such as real-time IoT applications, AR/VR-based training, and Digital Twin technologies. “This will enhance operational efficiency and redefine how we operate industrially,” he said.
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BSNL CMD A. Robert J. Ravi remarked, “This collaboration exemplifies BSNL’s commitment to empowering India’s strategic sectors with next-generation digital infrastructure. The dedicated 5G CNPN deployment at NRL will be a technological leap forward, redefining core industry operations and supporting a self-reliant, digitally intelligent Bharat.”
The Director (Enterprise Business) of BSNL called the MoU a crucial milestone in mainstreaming 5G and Industry 4.0 technologies across India’s industrial spectrum. He reiterated BSNL’s resolve to deliver secure and future-ready communication solutions tailored to the needs of CPSEs and enterprises.
The Secretary of DPE praised the partnership as a model of the “Whole of Government” (WoG) approach, emphasising its potential to upgrade India’s industrial base, foster skill development, and create employment, particularly in the North Eastern Region.
Technologies discussed at the workshop included Digital Twins, AI-powered 3D printing, Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Reality applications, Big Data Analytics, and IoT, all of which are poised to shape the next industrial wave in India.
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