India’s First 5G Captive Network Powers Digital Refinery Transformation

India has taken a major step toward industrial digitalization with the launch of its first 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN). Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), in partnership with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), has implemented this network within its refinery operations in Assam. The initiative aligns with India’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat and is a showcase of how 5G can be used to drive operational excellence and technological self-reliance.

Why Traditional Networks Fall Short in Industrial Environments

Refinery operations demand high-speed data transfer, real-time monitoring, and airtight network security. Traditional networks often fall short of the low-latency and high-reliability requirements needed for modern industrial automation. Add to this the complexity of deploying scalable IoT and immersive training platforms like AR/VR, and it’s clear why legacy systems are due for an upgrade.

BSNL’s 5G CNPN Tailored for NRL’s Refinery Operations

Enter the 5G CNPN—a dedicated, private 5G network customized for NRL’s mission-critical refinery environment. Built using BSNL’s spectrum holdings and infrastructure, the solution ensures:

• Ultra-low latency

• High-speed throughput

• Enhanced cybersecurity

• Seamless integration of digital technologies like digital twins, predictive maintenance, and AR/VR

The MoU between NRL and BSNL was signed during the Industry 4.0 Workshop for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in Guwahati, with backing from the Ministry of Finance’s Department of Public Enterprises (DPE).

Endorsements Highlight the Strategic Value of Industrial 5G

The project was formally endorsed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who called it a “proud moment for Digital Assam.” BSNL CMD A. Robert J. Ravi emphasized that this marks a “technological leap forward,” redefining how core industries will operate in the digital era. NRL executives added that the CNPN will pave the way for real-time IoT applications, AI-driven insights, and immersive workforce training.

Inside the 5G Tech Stack Driving NRL’s Digital Refinery

This first-of-its-kind refinery deployment includes:

• A private 5G core and radio access network

• Integration with AI and Digital Twins

• Edge compute capabilities for localized data processing

• Real-time analytics for process optimization

• Secure access points customized for industrial-grade resilience

Key Benefits from Private 5G: Efficiency, Safety, and Automation

For NRL:

• Operational Efficiency: Real-time data flow supports predictive maintenance, reducing downtime.

• Cybersecurity: A dedicated network significantly lowers external threat surfaces.

• AR/VR Training: Workers can train using virtual simulations, improving safety and reducing cost.

• Automation: Enables advanced process control and robotics integration.

For India: How the NRL-BSNL Project Advances Atmanirbhar Bharat

• Positions public sector firms as innovation leaders in Industry 4.0

• Promotes regional development in Assam and the Northeast

• Creates a replicable model for digital transformation in energy, manufacturing, and utilities

5G CNPN: A Blueprint for India’s Industry 4.0 Rollout

This deployment is a critical signal that private 5G is ready for enterprise-scale industrial use in India. By demonstrating the reliability and scalability of CNPNs in a high-risk sector like refining, the project sets the tone for adoption across verticals like utilities, healthcare, and mining.

BSNL and NRL Lead India’s 5G Industrial Network Deployment

BSNL leveraged its spectrum and existing infrastructure to design a secure, high-performance 5G CNPN tailored for NRL. It aims to become the go-to provider for mission-critical, private networks across India.

NRL, a subsidiary of Oil India Ltd, continues its drive for modernization by embedding next-gen technologies into core operations. This move reinforces its role as a forward-thinking energy company committed to digital transformation.

Public-Private Synergy Driving Digital Assam’s Growth

The collaboration was enabled by:

• Ministry of Finance’s DPE: Providing policy support and industry guidance

• Assam Government: Championing digital infrastructure in the region

• AMTRON and other CPSEs: Sharing expertise and aligning on best practices for replication

Deployment Underway: CNPN Set for Phased Rollout

The MoU has been signed, with deployment efforts already underway. Infrastructure design, integration testing, and workforce skilling are in motion. The system is expected to go live in phases, with full operationalization targeted in the near term.

• August 2, 2025: MoU signed during Industry 4.0 workshop in Guwahati

• Q3 2025: Network setup and testing

• Q4 2025: Initial rollout within the refinery

• 2026 onward: Expansion and scaling across other industrial units

What Leaders Say About India’s First 5G Refinery Network

• Himanta Biswa Sarma (CM of Assam): Called it a landmark for “Digital Assam” and a bold stride in #AtmanirbharBharat

• A. Robert J. Ravi (BSNL CMD): Highlighted it as a catalyst for “a digitally intelligent Bharat”

• NRL Leadership: Praised the network’s potential to drive safety, sustainability, and workforce innovation