State-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) has signed an MoU with Numaligarh Refinery (NRL) to deploy India’s first 5G captive non-public network (CNPN) in the refinery sector.

The agreement was inked during the "Industry 4.0 Workshop for CPSEs" in Guwahati, organised under the Ministry of Finance. According to the official statement, the 5G CNPN will deliver secure, ultra-reliable, real-time industrial connectivity, marking a pioneering move in leveraging indigenous 5G infrastructure for mission-critical refinery operations.

BSNL, which has recently begun rolling out 4G services but already holds spectrum usable for 5G, sees this as a model that can be replicated across other industrial sectors. BSNL CMD A Robert J Ravi said the deployment represents a technological leap in connectivity and operational efficiency, aligning with the vision of a self-reliant, digitally empowered Bharat.

The project is expected to set a benchmark for future industrial 5G applications while boosting India’s push towards digital transformation in core sectors.