For students of the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE) in Visakhapatnam, the new year has begun on an exhilarating note. The long-awaited shift to their sprawling permanent campus became a reality as classes commenced there on Monday, January 5, fulfilling years of anticipation.
A Dream Realized in Lush Greenery
The transition marks a significant upgrade from the earlier transit campus in the city. The new campus is strategically located at Vangali in the Sabbavaram mandal of Anakapalli district. Spread across nearly 200 acres, it is nestled amid lush greenery and picturesque hills, offering a serene and focused environment for academic pursuit.
Students started arriving in batches from December 31, turning the campus itself into the venue for their New Year celebrations. "For us, January 5 marked the realisation of a long-cherished dream," shared Vishal Saw, a fourth-year student and president of the IIPE student council. He highlighted the institute's proactive steps to ensure a smooth relocation, noting that four dedicated buses were arranged to ferry students from the railway station and airport, a service that will continue in the initial days.
Massive Investment for World-Class Infrastructure
The scale of the new campus underscores IIPE's ambitious vision for the future of petroleum and energy education in India. A colossal investment of approximately Rs 400 crore has been channeled into developing the campus, which encompasses 65,000 square metres of built-up area including academic blocks, hostels, and residential quarters. An additional Rs 150 crore has been invested in equipping advanced laboratories, infrastructure, furniture, and other essential amenities.
This financial commitment translates into state-of-the-art academic and research facilities. However, the shift brings more than just new buildings. It fosters a vibrant, integrated campus life that was previously fragmented. "Earlier, students were scattered across different hostels in Vizag city," explained Anupam Anand, a student from Bihar. "Now, we are all together. This proximity is already enhancing student interaction, collaboration, and late-night academic discussions."
Transforming Student Life and Academic Culture
The new setting has dramatically altered the daily rhythm of student life. The spacious campus allows for sports and cultural activities to flourish, often stretching late into the night—a stark contrast to the constraints of the transit campus. Students are now regularly seen playing volleyball, cricket, and other sports after hours.
IIPE Director, Prof. Shalivahan, stated that the commencement at the permanent campus heralds a new era for the institute. Established to lead the nation in education, research, and innovation across petroleum and energy domains, the campus provides the ideal ecosystem. As part of the launch, a health centre has been inaugurated on-site, and food services have been entrusted to a star hotel from the city to ensure quality and comfort.
"The response from students has been extremely positive. They are excited and happy to begin this new chapter," Prof. Shalivahan said, reaffirming the institute's commitment to supporting a smooth transition. For students like Vishal and Anupam, this move is not just a change of address but the foundation for a more collaborative, engaging, and holistic educational journey, setting the stage for groundbreaking work in India's critical energy sector.
