Strategic partnership for digital transformation
BSNL NRL Collaboration Sparks Industry 4.0 Shift in India: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) have signed a major Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive Industry 4.0 adoption in India. The agreement marks the launch of India’s first 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) within the refinery sector, showcasing a shift toward real-time, ultra-reliable, and secure industrial connectivity.
The MoU was signed during the Industry 4.0 Workshop for CPSEs held in Guwahati, under the guidance of the Ministry of Finance. Senior officials from CPSEs, DPE, CMD NRL, and BSNL participated in the event.
First 5G CNPN in refinery sector
The initiative will deploy a 5G CNPN specifically within refinery operations, setting a precedent for smart industrial ecosystems. It is expected to enable automation, AI-driven decision-making, and seamless machine-to-machine communication, which are key components of Industry 4.0.
Static GK Tip: BSNL, founded in 2000, is a public sector telecom giant under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications.
Enabling Digital India in the North East
This partnership aligns with the Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat visions by creating a technologically resilient and self-reliant industrial framework. The project also gives a strategic push to economic development in the North Eastern Region, an area often overlooked in terms of industrial digitalization.
Static GK fact: NRL, based in Assam, was set up in 1993 and operates under Oil India Limited since 2021.
Technological edge for refinery sector
By integrating IoT, Big Data Analytics, AR/VR-based training, and Digital Twins, the refinery sector will experience enhanced operational efficiency, worker safety, and cybersecurity. These tools provide predictive maintenance, simulation-based planning, and immersive training solutions.
The use of Digital Twins enables real-time monitoring and virtual replication of assets, crucial for decision-making in high-risk refinery environments.
BSNL’s role in national digital infrastructure
The collaboration underscores BSNL’s commitment to strengthening India’s digital public infrastructure. As a trusted telecom operator, BSNL’s involvement signals the government’s intent to utilize public sector capability in achieving high-end tech deployments without foreign dependency.
Model for wider Industry 4.0 rollout
This project is designed as a replicable model for other CPSEs and strategic industries. The scalability of this deployment model is expected to influence steel, mining, and manufacturing sectors, accelerating India’s industrial digitalization across verticals.
The success of the BSNL-NRL model may redefine how CPSEs adopt technology, moving beyond legacy systems into data-driven, real-time operational environments.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
BSNL NRL Collaboration Sparks Industry 4.0 Shift in India:
| Topic | Detail |
| Organization Behind MoU | BSNL and NRL |
| Full Form of CNPN | Captive Non-Public Network |
| Sector of First Deployment | Refinery sector |
| Location of Workshop | Guwahati, Assam |
| Government Scheme Aligned | Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat |
| Core Technologies Used | 5G, IoT, Digital Twins, AR/VR, Big Data |
| BSNL Ownership | Public sector under Department of Telecommunications |
| NRL Parent Organization | Oil India Limited |
| Year of BSNL Establishment | 2000 |
| Region of Strategic Focus | North Eastern Region of India |
