In a landmark move for India’s digital infrastructure, Assam is set to host the country’s first 5G Captive Non-Public Network in the refinery sector, following an MoU signed between BSNL and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL).
Announcing the development, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed the initiative as a major step toward #DigitalAssam and #AtmanirbharBharat, integrating advanced technologies like IoT, AR/VR, and Big Data into the state’s industrial ecosystem.
The Memorandum of Understanding between BSNL and NRL paves the way for the deployment of a secure, high-speed private 5G network tailored to refinery operations—marking a significant technological upgrade for India’s petroleum sector.
Proud moment for Assam! 💡@BSNLCorporate & @NRL_MoPNG have signed an MoU to set up India’s 1st 5G Captive Non-Public Network in the refinery sector.
A big leap for #DigitalAssam & #AtmanirbharBharat-ushering IoT, AR/VR, Big Data into our industrial future! 🚀🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/RHMPDMc2Yw
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 4, 2025
“This is a proud moment for Assam and a giant leap in our journey toward an industrially advanced and digitally empowered future,” CM Sarma tweeted. He emphasized that the project will unlock new possibilities in automation, real-time analytics, and safety enhancements within the refinery environment.
The 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) will serve as a closed-loop system, offering ultra-reliable, low-latency communication critical for industrial operations. Officials believe it will be a game changer in enabling smart manufacturing and predictive maintenance.
The project also aligns with the Government of India’s push for self-reliance under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, showcasing how indigenous telecom solutions can drive sector-specific digital transformation.
