Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) is India's first and oldest shipyard, established in 1941 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This premier shipbuilding and repair facility plays a crucial role in maritime and defense sectors, specializing in ship construction, repairs, submarine refits, and offshore structures. While public access is restricted, Visakhapatnam offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and industrial attractions, making it a significant destination.
HSL is situated on the east coast of India within the natural harbour of Visakhapatnam. It is a significant public sector undertaking equipped with substantial infrastructure spread over a considerable area. The shipyard possesses facilities for various stages of shipbuilding and repair, including a covered building dock for constructing vessels up to 80,000 DWT, slipways, a fitting-out jetty, a dry dock, a wet basin, and a repair dolphin. These facilities are supported by workshops, material handling equipment, and testing and quality control units.
Shipbuilding – Commercial and defense ships.
Ship Repairs – Maintenance for naval and merchant vessels.
Submarine Refits – Expertise in upgrading and repairing submarines.
Offshore Structures – Manufacturing marine platforms for various industries.
Visiting Timings & Accessibility
Public Access: Restricted due to its strategic importance.
Official Visits: Possible through prior approval from HSL authorities.
Contact Information: Visit hslvizag.in for inquiries.
Address: Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Gandhigram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530005, India.
Location Coordinates: Latitude 17.7033, Longitude 83.2918.
How to Reach Hindustan Shipyard Limited
By Train:
Nearest Railway Station: Visakhapatnam Railway Station (8 km from HSL).
Major Trains to Visakhapatnam:
From Hyderabad: Godavari Express, Visakha Express.
From Chennai: Coromandel Express, Chennai Express.
From Kolkata: Howrah-Yesvantpur Express, East Coast Express.
From Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Express, Samta Express.
Local Transport: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses available from the railway station.
By Air:
Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam International Airport (14 km from HSL).
Flight Connectivity: Direct flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.
Airport to HSL: Taxis and app-based cabs (Uber, Ola) available for transport.
By Road:
Nearest Bus Station: Dwaraka Bus Station (7 km from HSL).
Bus Services: APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) operates buses from various city points to areas near the shipyard.
Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and city buses available.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Temples & Religious Sites
Simhachalam Temple (20 km) – A famous temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha.
Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple (22 km) – A revered Hindu temple atop Simhachalam Hill.
Sri Kanaka MahaLakshmi Temple (10 km) – A popular temple in Visakhapatnam.
Beaches & Natural Attractions
Kailasagiri Hill Park (12 km) – A scenic viewpoint with panoramic city and sea views.
Ramakrishna Beach (RK Beach) (8 km) – A famous beach perfect for relaxation.
Yarada Beach (15 km) – A less crowded, scenic beach near Visakhapatnam.
Museums & Historic Sites
Submarine Museum (9 km) – India’s first submarine-turned-museum, INS Kursura.
TU-142 Aircraft Museum (8.5 km) – Showcasing a decommissioned Tupolev aircraft.
Visakhapatnam Port Trust – A major port, showcasing India's maritime operations.
Nearby Industries & Business Hubs
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (Vizag Steel Plant) (20 km) – A major steel manufacturing unit.
HPCL Refinery – A key oil refinery near the city.
Eastern Naval Command Headquarters – An important Indian Navy base.
Food & Accommodation
Popular Restaurants Near HSL
Sai Ram Parlour – Famous for authentic Andhra meals.
Dharani Restaurant – Best for South Indian cuisine.
Barbeque Nation – Multi-cuisine and buffet options.
Alpha Hotel – Known for Hyderabadi biryani.
Hotels & Stay Options
Budget Hotels:
Hotel Green Park
Hotel Meghalaya
Mid-range Hotels:
Dolphin Hotel
Fortune Inn
Luxury Hotels:
Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach
The Gateway Hotel
Best Time to Visit
Ideal Season: October to March – Pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing.
Avoid: May to July – Hot and humid conditions.
Shopping & Local Markets
Visakhapatnam is known for handicrafts, textiles, and traditional Andhra products.
Best Shopping Areas:
Jagadamba Junction – Electronics, clothes, and general goods.
Dwaraka Nagar – Ideal for jewelry and branded showrooms.
CMR Shopping Mall – A one-stop destination for fashion and lifestyle needs.
Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium – Famous for wooden carvings and Kondapalli toys.
Hindustan Shipyard Limited is a pivotal industrial landmark in India’s maritime history. Though public visits are restricted, Visakhapatnam offers an enriching experience with its diverse attractions, including scenic beaches, ancient temples, modern shopping malls, and industrial hubs. With excellent transport connectivity, abundant food options, and a range of accommodations, a visit to Visakhapatnam is sure to be a memorable experience for travelers.
