BSNL and NRL have agreed to collaborate in implementing a 5G private network within the petroleum refining industry
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) have joined forces to deploy India's first 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) within the refinery sector. This collaboration is set to usher in a new era of secure, ultra-reliable, and real-time industrial connectivity [1][2][3][4].
The 5G network will provide enhanced security, low latency, and high reliability essential for mission-critical refinery operations. This dedicated non-public 5G network is tailored for critical industrial use and is expected to support technologies such as augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR)-based training, digital twins (virtual replicas of physical assets), real-time Internet of Things (IoT) applications, 3D printing with AI, and big data analytics [3].
The partnership between BSNL and NRL is significant as it marks the deployment of India's first 5G CNPN within the refinery sector. It is expected to transform refinery operations by boosting efficiency and innovation. The collaboration also aims to create a blueprint that other industrial sectors in India can adopt, promoting widespread digital transformation among Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and beyond [1][2].
BSNL recently started offering 4G services and holds spectrum rights for 5G, positioning it to pioneer specialized 5G deployments such as this CNPN in strategic sectors like oil refining [1][2]. The initiative leverages domestic 5G infrastructure, aligning with the Government of India's vision for a self-reliant and digitally empowered Bharat. This deployment by a public sector telecom provider demonstrates a strategic push towards indigenization and digital sovereignty in key public sector industries [1][2].
While BSNL's outstanding debt stands at ₹34,576 crore (as of information provided in a Parliament session), the partnership is expected to enhance operational efficiency through real-time data and improve cybersecurity for critical infrastructure [3]. The deployment of a dedicated 5G CNPN at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) marks a technological leap forward.
The event took place under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance during an "Industry 4.0 Workshop for CPSEs" organized in Guwahati. A Robert J Ravi, Chairman and Managing Director of BSNL, expressed optimism about the partnership with NRL. The collaboration reinforces the government's vision for a digitally empowered and self-reliant Bharat [1][2].
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu is planning to hold regional investment conclaves, with the inaugural edition scheduled in Thoothukudi. Eight cooperatives have joined hands to launch a 'Bharat' taxi service, onboarding 200 drivers [5]. On the other hand, India added 2.46 million wireless subscribers in June 2025, led by urban growth [6]. The deployment of 5G technology within the refinery sector is a step towards digital transformation and Industry 4.0.
- This partnership between BSNL and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) represents a significant investment in the future of India's economy and industry, as they collaborate to deploy the country's first 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) within the refinery sector.
- The 5G network, with its enhanced security, low latency, and high reliability, is not only essential for mission-critical refinery operations but also supports advanced technologies such as augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR)-based training, digital twins, real-time Internet of Things (IoT) applications, 3D printing with AI, and big data analytics.
- The collaboration between BSNL and NRL serves as a blueprint for other industrial sectors in India, promoting widespread digital transformation among Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and beyond, in line with the Government of India's vision for a self-reliant and digitally empowered Bharat.
- BSNL's deployment of a dedicated 5G CNPN at NRL is a strategic move that positions it as a pioneer in specialized 5G deployments such as this CNPN in strategic sectors like oil refining, and aligns with the government's push towards indigenization and digital sovereignty in key public sector industries.
- Despite BSNL's substantial outstanding debt, the partnership is expected to enhance operational efficiency through real-time data and improve cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, positioning the public sector telecom provider as a key player in India's technological advancement.
- The deployment of a 5G CNPN at NRL marks a technological leap forward, signifying India's strides towards digital transformation and Industry 4.0, and reinforcing the government's vision for a digitally empowered and self-reliant Bharat.
