Echelon Edge Becomes the First Indian company to Launch 5G Captive Network at the Amlohri Coal Mines
Echelon Edge, in collaboration with BSNL, has been selected for the prestigious project to deploy India’s first-ever commercial 5G captive network at the Amlohri Open Cast Coal Mines in Madhya Pradesh. This monumental project is being implemented for Coal India Ltd. (CIL), and it is set to be completed by February 2025.
Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Thiruvananthapuram and the Central Mine Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI), partnered with BSNL to work on a prestigious project titled “5G Captive Non-public Network for Integrated Voice, Video & Data Communication in Opencast Coal Mines (5G-CapNet)”, awarded by Coal India Limited (CIL).
Commenting on Echelon Edge being India’s first company to deploy a commercial 5G captive network, Mr. Gaurav Gandhi, Founder & CEO of Echelon Edge Pvt Ltd, said, “This project is a clear example of India’s growing capabilities in technology, particularly in deploying 5G solutions for critical industries like coal mining. We are excited to lead the deployment of India’s first 5G captive network for coal mines. This project is a major step toward improving mining operations with real-time communication, better safety, and greater efficiency. It’s a proud moment for us to contribute to India’s technological progress while addressing the unique challenges of the mining sector”.
The 5G network will support a wide range of applications that will transform mining operations. These include voice and video communication, 5G camera-based surveillance, asset tracking, IoT sensors for environmental monitoring, and drone-based remote monitoring. The network will also enable the creation of a Virtual Reality model of the Amlohri Coal Mine, digital twin technology for Load Haul Dump operations, and a 5G C-V2X-based collision avoidance system. Additionally, AI-powered traffic control solutions will optimize haul road crossings, enhancing both safety and efficiency.
This 5G captive network will provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity crucial for real-time data transmission and decision-making. Unlike traditional networks, which depend on limited private LAN or Wi-Fi solutions, this 5G network ensures dedicated resources, allowing seamless integration of voice, video, and data. The result will be real-time asset tracking, enhanced safety, and advanced operational capabilities that were not possible with older technologies.
The deployment of this 5G network will set a new benchmark for the mining industry, with the potential to revolutionize operations by improving safety, reducing inefficiencies, and enabling advanced analytics. The success of this project will also serve as a model for similar initiatives in other sectors such as oil and gas, construction, and transportation, where real-time communication, remote monitoring, and automation are crucial.
