Road Project Technical Profile
It represents a critical component of the Dhaka–Barisal–Kuakata Highway (R880). The bridge permanently eliminated the need for time-consuming ferry crossings across the Andharmanik River.
General Overview
- Project Name: Construction of Approach Road with Nehemiah wall in/c. Service Road of Shahid Sheikh Kamal Setu (Khepupara Bridge) at 49th km of Patuakhali-Kuakata Road under Patuakhali Road Division during the year 2012-2013
Key Technical Profile
- Location: Built at the 49th kilometer marker of the Patuakhali–Kuakata Road, immediately adjacent to Kalapara (historically known as Khepupara).
- River Spanned: The Andharmanik River.
- Project Framework: The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) bundled the construction of this bridge along with the nearby Hazipur and Mohipur bridges to establish an uninterrupted highway to the southern coast.
- Civil Contractors: Companies like M.M. Builders Limited engineered the critical approach roads, retaining walls, and service avenues leading onto the bridge deck.
Strategic & Economic Impact
- Direct Access to Kuakata: Prior to its construction, vehicles traveling from Dhaka or Barisal had to rely on slow river ferries at Khepupara to reach the beach destination of Kuakata. This bridge shortened travel times down to minutes.
- Logistics Support for Mega-Projects: The bridge acts as a heavy-duty thoroughfare for trucks moving machinery and materials between Patuakhali, the Payra Sea Port footprint, and the Payra Thermal Power Plant complex.
- Local Connectivity: It physically unites the Khepupara launch terminal and municipal core with the surrounding southern unions, providing rural populations with quick access to healthcare and trading hubs.