Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) operates one of India's major oil refineries in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Established in 1957, the Visakh Refinery was the first on India's east coast and plays a vital role in the country's petroleum industry. With advanced refining technology, HPCL produces high-quality petroleum products while ensuring compliance with Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission standards. Strategically located near the port, the refinery facilitates efficient import and export of crude oil and petroleum products.
Description:
The Visakhapatnam Refinery, also known as Visakha Refinery, has a substantial crude oil refining capacity, which is being further expanded under the ongoing Visakh Refinery Modernisation Project (VRMP). The refinery processes crude oil to produce a range of petroleum products. It has undergone several expansions and technology upgrades since its commissioning to enhance its capacity and efficiency. The VRMP is a major brownfield expansion aimed at significantly increasing the refining capacity and enabling the production of cleaner fuels.
Specialties:
The HPCL Visakhapatnam refinery's key specialties lie in:
Production of BS-VI Compliant Fuels: A major focus, especially with the VRMP, is the production of Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) compliant petrol and diesel, aligning with stricter emission norms.
Advanced Refining Technologies: The modernization project incorporates advanced technologies such as Hydrocracking and Naphtha Isomerisation to improve distillate yields and produce higher-octane gasoline components and cleaner diesel fuel.
Strategic Coastal Location and Infrastructure: Situated on the East Coast, the refinery has access to a Single Point Mooring (SPM) facility, which allows it to receive crude oil from Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), ensuring efficient raw material logistics.
Significant Refining Capacity: Upon completion of the VRMP, the refinery's capacity will be substantially increased, making it a larger and more critical player in HPCL's refining network and contributing significantly to the나라's fuel supply.
HPCL’s Visakh Refinery is a premier petroleum refining unit, processing crude oil into various fuels, including petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, and lubricants. It is known for:
Being the first refinery on India’s east coast.
Producing fuels that meet BS-VI emission norms.
Playing a key role in fuel supply to South India.
Using advanced refining technologies for energy efficiency and environmental protection.
Location & Contact Information
Address: HPCL Visakh Refinery, Malkapuram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh – 530011, India.
Latitude & Longitude: 17.7041° N, 83.2977° E.
Contact: +91-891-2868823
Email: sharmiladevi.tangudu@hpcl.in
Visiting Information
General Public Access: The refinery is a high-security industrial zone and does not allow casual visits.
Educational & Industrial Visits: Permitted only with prior authorization.
Operational Hours: The refinery operates 24/7.
Transportation Facilities
Nearby Railway Station
Visakhapatnam Railway Station (Approx. 10-12 km) – A major rail hub with connectivity to all parts of India.
Nearby Airport
Visakhapatnam International Airport (Approx. 15 km) – Offers domestic and limited international flights.
Nearby Bus Station
Dwaraka Bus Station (RTC Complex) (Approx. 12 km) – The central bus terminal in Visakhapatnam.
Travel Routes to HPCL Refinery
Bus Routes
City buses from RTC Complex (Dwaraka Bus Station) to HPCL Refinery (Route Nos: 400, 500, 900).
Private and state-run buses to Malkapuram.
Train Routes
Major Trains to Visakhapatnam:
Godavari Express (From Hyderabad)
Coromandel Express (From Chennai)
Konark Express (From Mumbai)
Visakha Express (From Bhubaneswar)
Air Connectivity
Domestic Flights: Regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
International Flights: Limited flights to Dubai, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.
Accommodation, Food & Stay Facilities
Hotels Near HPCL, Visakhapatnam
Budget:
Hotel Elite Inn (Near Railway Station)
Sri Sai Residency (Malkapuram)
Mid-Range:
Dolphin Hotel (Near RTC Complex)
Green Park Hotel (Downtown Visakhapatnam)
Luxury:
The Gateway Hotel Beach Road
Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach
Food Facilities
Nearby Restaurants:
Sai Ram Fast Food (Malkapuram) – Budget-friendly.
Daspalla Executive Court – Multi-cuisine.
Venkatadri Vantillu – Famous for Andhra meals.
Subbaiah Gari Hotel – Authentic Andhra cuisine.
Nearby Attractions
Temples & Religious Sites
Simhachalam Temple (16 km) – A renowned Lord Narasimha temple.
Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple – An ancient pilgrimage site.
Kali Temple, RK Beach (12 km) – A popular coastal temple.
Tourist Attractions
RK Beach (12 km) – Scenic beach and a major tourist hub.
INS Kurusura Submarine Museum (12 km) – India’s first submarine museum.
Kailasagiri Hill Park (14 km) – Offers panoramic city and sea views.
Yarada Beach (18 km) – A serene, less crowded beach.
Borra Caves (90 km) – Stunning limestone caves near Araku Valley.
Araku Valley (110 km) – A picturesque hill station famous for coffee plantations.
Nearby Industrial Establishments
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (RINL) – One of India’s largest steel plants.
National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Simhadri – A major power generation unit.
Brandix India Apparel City – A significant textile manufacturing hub.
Shopping & Local Specialties
Visakhapatnam is famous for:
Kalamkari Textiles – Traditional hand-painted fabrics.
Ponduru Khadi – Premium handwoven cotton fabric.
Araku Coffee – Locally grown organic coffee.
Etikoppaka Wooden Toys – Traditional handcrafted toys.
Popular Shopping Areas
Jagadamba Junction – Electronics, apparel, and local crafts.
Old Book Market, Dwaraka Nagar – Books and rare collections.
Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium – Government-run handicrafts store.
Best Time to Visit
Ideal Season: October to March (Cool and pleasant weather).
Avoid: June to September (Monsoon season with heavy rains).
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited’s Visakh Refinery in Visakhapatnam is a key industrial facility in India's petroleum sector. While entry is restricted, Visakhapatnam offers numerous attractions, including beautiful beaches, historic temples, and bustling shopping hubs. With excellent transportation, accommodation, and food options, the city is a great destination for business and leisure travelers alike.
