NRL partners with BSNL to launch India’s first 5G captive private network in Assam
NOOR MOHMMED
04/Aug/2025

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NRL and BSNL have signed an agreement to set up India’s first 5G captive non-public network.
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The 5G network will be deployed at NRL's refinery site in Assam for industrial digital operations.
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Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma called it a proud moment for the state and India’s 5G leadership.
India’s first 5G captive non-public network to be set up by NRL and BSNL in Assam: A leap toward digital industrialisation
India has taken a monumental step in industrial digitalisation with Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) signing an agreement with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to deploy the country’s first 5G captive non-public network at a refinery site in Assam. This initiative will bring 5G connectivity specifically tailored for enterprise and industrial use, setting a technological milestone for the Indian telecom and energy sectors.
What is a Captive Non-Public 5G Network?
A captive non-public network refers to a private 5G network set up exclusively for a specific enterprise or organisation. Unlike commercial 5G networks that cater to the public, captive networks operate independently within a restricted geographical area—such as a factory, refinery, port, or logistics hub.
These networks are used to support mission-critical applications, ensuring ultra-low latency, enhanced security, and uninterrupted connectivity for advanced use cases like automation, IoT integration, remote surveillance, robotics, and real-time analytics.
NRL and BSNL Partnership: A Strategic First for India
The agreement between NRL and BSNL marks the first-of-its-kind implementation in the Indian industrial landscape. The network will be deployed at NRL’s refinery site in Numaligarh, Assam, and will be customised to support digital operations, automation systems, and safety protocols.
This collaboration is a result of the government's policy push for 5G enterprise use cases, where spectrum has been allocated for non-public networks, allowing enterprises to directly work with telecom service providers or system integrators.
Assam Chief Minister Lauds the Move
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed pride in this pioneering initiative, stating that Assam is leading from the front in India's journey toward industrial digitalisation.
"This is a proud moment not only for Assam but also for India. We are embracing the future of digital connectivity and setting an example for the entire country," the CM said during the MoU signing ceremony.
This development aligns with Assam's broader vision of becoming a hub for high-tech and industrial innovation in the Northeast region.
Benefits of 5G for Industrial Use at NRL
The deployment of 5G at NRL’s refinery will enable:
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Ultra-reliable and low-latency communication between machines
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Real-time monitoring of pipeline integrity and refinery safety systems
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AI-based predictive maintenance of equipment
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Autonomous vehicle management within refinery premises
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Instant data sharing between control rooms, sensors, and analytics platforms
Such improvements will lead to reduced downtime, enhanced worker safety, and more efficient production workflows.
India’s Policy Framework for Private 5G Networks
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications has already allowed spectrum allocation for private enterprises to deploy non-public networks, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, oil & gas, mining, logistics, and ports.
This policy shift is in line with global trends, where countries like Germany, the US, and South Korea have already rolled out 5G networks for industrial use cases. India is now joining the league by enabling such innovation in core sectors.
BSNL’s Role in Implementation
While private telcos like Jio and Airtel are spearheading the public 5G rollout, BSNL has been entrusted with public sector enterprise collaborations. For this project, BSNL will:
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Deploy and manage the network infrastructure within NRL’s campus
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Ensure end-to-end cybersecurity and compliance
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Provide maintenance and software upgrades
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Integrate IoT, machine learning, and AI modules as required by NRL’s digital roadmap
This partnership will demonstrate BSNL’s technical capabilities and adaptability in next-gen network services.
Why Assam is a Strategic Choice
Assam, being a gateway to the Northeast and home to critical infrastructure like oil refineries, tea estates, and natural gas pipelines, offers a strategic environment for pilot projects in industrial 5G.
By initiating such a move in Assam, the government and industry stakeholders are aiming to:
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Drive economic growth in the region
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Attract future tech investments
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Modernise local industries for global competitiveness
This also plays a crucial role in the Digital Northeast Vision 2022 and beyond, which aims to bring advanced technology and connectivity to one of India’s most resource-rich but underconnected regions.
Broader Implications for India
With this project, India is taking a firm step toward industrial 5G adoption, which will be critical for:
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Smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 applications
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Digital transformation in energy and utilities
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Boosting GDP through high-tech industrial output
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Improving India’s rank in the Global Innovation Index
This 5G captive network will act as a model for other PSUs and private firms looking to digitise operations using cutting-edge connectivity.
Next Steps and Timeline
The project is expected to be executed in phases:
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Network planning and infrastructure setup (0–3 months)
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Deployment of hardware, small cells, antennas, and core servers (3–6 months)
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Testing of mission-critical applications and systems (6–9 months)
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Full go-live with analytics, IoT integration, and staff training (by mid-2026)
Both companies have committed to aggressive timelines to ensure India’s first captive 5G deployment is a success story.
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