#BSNL #NRL #5GCNPN #Industry4 #DigitalIndia #AtmanirbharBharat #SmartRefinery #CPSEs #NorthEastIndia
Guwahati: In a major stride toward realizing India’s vision of a digitally empowered and self-reliant economy, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. The signing took place during the “Industry 4.0 Workshop for CPSEs” organized by the Ministry of Finance in Guwahati.
This strategic collaboration marks a turning point in India’s industrial evolution, paving the way for the deployment of the country’s first 5G CNPN (Captive Non-Public Network) in the refinery sector. This pioneering move is aimed at transforming core industrial operations through real-time, secure, ultra-reliable, and low-latency communication systems—a cornerstone of Industry 4.0.
A Historic Alliance for Digital Bharat
The MoU was signed in the presence of key government and industry dignitaries, including the Secretary of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), CMDs of NRL and BSNL, senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, and representatives of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
The focus of the workshop and subsequent collaboration was on empowering CPSEs to adopt cutting-edge technologies such as 5G CNPN, Digital Twins, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR/MR), 3D Printing, and Big Data Analytics.
Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary, DPE, lauded the initiative as a prime example of the Government’s “Whole of Government” (WoG) approach. He emphasized how this step reflects the Government’s commitment to integrating innovation, skill development, and regional economic empowerment, especially in the North Eastern Region, into the national industrial framework.
The First 5G CNPN in Indian Refinery Sector
Under the MoU, BSNL will design, deploy, and manage a dedicated 5G CNPN network for NRL’s refinery operations. Unlike public 5G networks, a CNPN is a private, secure, and localized 5G network meant for mission-critical industrial usage. This will allow NRL to harness the full spectrum of digital applications in a secure, real-time environment.
CMD, NRL, while hailing this as a “game-changing” development, said the deployment of 5G CNPN will enable the refinery to fully leverage next-generation tools like AR/VR-based workforce training, real-time monitoring through IoT, predictive maintenance via Digital Twins, and enhanced cybersecurity measures.
“This is not just a technological upgrade—it’s an industrial transformation,” he remarked.
BSNL’s Technological Leap and National Commitment
CMD, BSNL, Shri A. Robert J. Ravi, highlighted the significance of this collaboration as a milestone for India’s strategic sectors. “As a trusted public telecom provider, BSNL is proud to lead the nation’s journey into the era of private 5G networks. This MoU with NRL showcases our unwavering commitment to powering India’s critical infrastructure with future-ready digital solutions,” he said.
He added that BSNL’s role in this project is not limited to connectivity alone but extends to strategic enablement of digital ecosystems within the public enterprise sector. The deployment is expected to become a national model for other industries planning similar transitions.
Director (Enterprise Business), BSNL, further stated, “This is a defining moment for both BSNL and the Indian industrial landscape. We’re laying the foundation for a self-reliant Bharat where critical sectors no longer depend on imported technologies or public telecom infrastructure for secure operations.”
Transformational Impact and Future Scalability
The BSNL-NRL partnership is being viewed as a scalable blueprint for the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies across other sectors such as steel, coal, defense manufacturing, fertilizers, and transportation. Industry observers suggest this could unlock new possibilities in automation, data-driven decision-making, and smart industrial ecosystems.
Apart from operational efficiency, the project will contribute significantly to:
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Employment generation in technology and manufacturing domains
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Advanced skilling of India’s technical workforce in collaboration with training institutes
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Digital upgradation of backward and remote regions, including the North East
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Green and energy-efficient operations through intelligent monitoring and control systems
Aligning with National Vision: Digital India + Atmanirbhar Bharat
The integration of indigenous 5G infrastructure within India’s refining sector directly aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India missions. It signals the Government’s intent to reduce foreign dependence and build resilient, in-house technology frameworks.
Moreover, the North Eastern Region—often overlooked in industrial planning—is at the center of this development, sending a strong message about regional inclusivity in India’s digital growth story.
Conclusion
With this historic MoU, BSNL and NRL are not merely connecting systems—they are connecting aspirations. By placing India at the forefront of industrial digitization, this partnership sets the tone for a future where innovation, security, efficiency, and sustainability converge.
As 5G CNPN gains traction in India’s industrial policy, other CPSEs and private enterprises may soon follow suit, reshaping how India builds, operates, and competes on the global stage.
#BSNL #NRL #5GCNPN #Industry4 #DigitalIndia #AtmanirbharBharat #SmartRefinery #CPSEs #NorthEastIndia #IoT #DigitalTransformation #AIinIndustry #MakeInIndia #PublicSectorInnovation #NextGenConnectivity
Source: PIB India
