Industry 4.0 Push: BSNL, NRL Join Hands Through Strategic MoU

Industry 4.0 Push: BSNL, NRL Join Hands Through Strategic MoU

New Delhi, August 2, 2025:
In a significant step towards accelerating the digital transformation of India’s industrial landscape, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at driving the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies across key sectors.

The MoU, signed in New Delhi on Friday, underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to harness next-generation technologies — including Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and secure private networks — to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in industrial operations.

Strengthening digital infrastructure for industry

As India moves toward becoming a global manufacturing and energy hub, the adoption of Industry 4.0 — often referred to as the fourth industrial revolution — is critical. BSNL, a state-owned telecom giant, brings robust telecommunications infrastructure and experience in network deployment, while NRL, a subsidiary of Oil India Limited, adds domain expertise in refining and petrochemical production.

Under the MoU, BSNL will explore deploying dedicated private 5G networks, advanced IoT frameworks, and data integration platforms tailored for NRL’s operations. This collaboration is expected to create a blueprint that can later be adapted by other industries across the country.

Driving digital transformation

Industry 4.0 is reshaping traditional industries worldwide by merging physical and digital processes to achieve real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and smarter resource utilization. NRL officials emphasized that these technologies are not just about operational efficiency but also about improving worker safety and environmental sustainability.

In his remarks during the MoU signing ceremony, BSNL Chairman and Managing Director P.K. Purwar said, “BSNL is committed to enabling India’s industrial sector to compete globally. Through this partnership, we aim to leverage our network strengths and technological expertise to support NRL’s transformation journey and, by extension, strengthen India’s Industry 4.0 roadmap.”

Focus on safety, sustainability, and competitiveness

For NRL, the partnership with BSNL comes at a crucial time, as the company is pursuing capacity expansion and modernization projects. The adoption of real-time data analytics and AI-driven monitoring systems can help detect equipment anomalies before they escalate, thereby preventing unplanned downtime and enhancing safety protocols.

S.K. Barua, Managing Director of NRL, highlighted the long-term vision: “Digitalization is central to our growth strategy. By integrating Industry 4.0 solutions, we aim to achieve operational excellence, reduce emissions, and set benchmarks in sustainable refining.”

A national push towards Industry 4.0

The MoU reflects broader policy goals outlined by the Government of India, which has emphasized the role of Industry 4.0 in boosting manufacturing competitiveness under initiatives like Make in India and Digital India.

In recent years, sectors ranging from steel to automotive have started pilot projects involving AI, robotics, and IoT. However, experts note that large-scale implementation often depends on reliable and secure network infrastructure — an area where telecom companies like BSNL can play a transformative role.

“Public-private collaboration is key to making Industry 4.0 successful in India,” said Dr. Ananya Basu, an industrial economist based in Delhi. “Partnerships like this one between BSNL and NRL can serve as testbeds, offering insights into what works and what needs adaptation for Indian conditions.”

Looking ahead

The next phase of the BSNL-NRL collaboration will involve technical assessments to identify specific use cases, such as digital twins, supply chain optimization, and AI-driven quality control. Pilot deployments are expected to begin within the next six months, with full-scale implementation in select NRL units planned for 2026.

Beyond the immediate scope, BSNL executives indicated that the company is exploring similar collaborations with other public sector enterprises and private manufacturers keen on embracing Industry 4.0.

A model for India’s digital industrial future

As the global economy becomes increasingly digital, partnerships like the one between BSNL and NRL underline India’s intent to stay ahead of the curve. By combining telecom infrastructure with industrial know-how, the two organizations aim to create a model that other industries can replicate — turning the promise of Industry 4.0 into a practical and profitable reality for Indian industry.

In the words of BSNL’s Purwar, “This MoU is not just an agreement; it’s a roadmap to a smarter, safer, and more competitive industrial India.”