Echelon Edge and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) are collaborating to deploy a commercial 5G captive network at the Amlohri Open Cast Coal Mines in Madhya Pradesh for Coal India Limited (CIL). The project, set for completion by February 2025, has received support from the Central Mine Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI) and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Thiruvananthapuram.
Echelon Edge will oversee the deployment of a 5G standalone (SA) private network, designed to enhance operational efficiency and safety in the mines through reliable, high-speed connectivity. The network will support diverse applications, including voice and video communication, 5G camera-based surveillance, and asset tracking, transforming mining operations.
Advanced technologies enabled by the 5G network will include a virtual reality model of the Amlohri Coal Mine, digital twin technology for Load Haul Dump operations, and a 5G-based V2X collision avoidance system. Additionally, AI-powered traffic control solutions will optimize haul road crossings, ensuring safer and more efficient operations.
The high speeds and ultra-low latency of 5G networks will facilitate real-time asset tracking, improved safety measures, and advanced operational capabilities, surpassing what older technologies could achieve.
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Gaurav Gandhi, Founder & CEO of Echelon Edge, expressed enthusiasm for the project “This project exemplifies India’s growing technological capabilities, particularly in deploying 5G solutions for critical industries like coal mining. We are proud to lead the deployment of India’s first 5G captive network for coal mines, advancing real-time communication, safety, and efficiency. It’s a significant milestone in India’s technological progress and a step forward in addressing the unique challenges of the mining sector.”
