Goa, October 16, 2026: Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) in Goa has become India’s first major port and first government autonomous body to secure authorisation for a private 5G network, paving the way for smart cargo tracking, automated logistics and real-time monitoring of port operations.
According to a Press Information Bureau release issued on October 15, the port authority secured Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) authorisation in September 2026 and is preparing to establish a dedicated private 5G network within the port premises.
Unlike public mobile networks, a private 5G network is designed to serve a specific organisation or facility. At Mormugao Port, the proposed network is expected to provide high-speed, low-latency and reliable connectivity to support port operations and the integration of digital technologies.
MPA expects the network to improve cargo movement, strengthen coordination among port activities and provide greater visibility into daily operations once implemented. The dedicated network could also give the authority greater control over network management and operational data.
However, the network has not yet been reported as fully operational. The project remains in the planning and testing stages, with the port authority undertaking several preparatory activities.
MPA has engaged a consultancy agency to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR), which will help shape the network’s implementation plan. The authority has also issued a Request for Information (RFI) to identify suitable system integrators and original equipment manufacturers.
Proof-of-concept (PoC) trials are currently underway to assess the technical feasibility and potential applications of private 5G technology within the port.
Potential applications include automated logistics, smart cargo tracking, real-time monitoring, drone-based surveillance and connected sensors for managing port infrastructure.
These technologies could help port operators monitor cargo movement, improve coordination and oversee infrastructure more efficiently. However, the official announcement does not confirm that these systems have already been deployed.
The initiative supports the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ efforts to improve efficiency through digitisation and process optimisation across India’s maritime sector.
The proposed network could also support the integration of connected devices and digital systems, allowing different operational systems to communicate through a dedicated network designed for the port’s industrial environment.
According to the government, Mormugao Port is the first major port and first government autonomous body in India to obtain CNPN authorisation. The milestone concerns regulatory authorisation rather than the launch of India’s first operational private 5G network.
The official announcement does not disclose the project’s estimated cost, expected completion date or timetable for bringing the network into operation.
If successfully implemented, the initiative could provide a reference for other major Indian ports exploring private 5G technology to improve cargo management, logistics and operational efficiency.
