The government has taken up a master plan for gradual expansion of the capital city stretching the boundary of RA-JUK from 829 km to 1.529 km. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told the Jatiya Sangsad yesterday. reports UNB.

Replying to Begum Meher Afroz of Awami League, she said initiatives have been taken to develop some satellite towns and new cities around the capital and expanding the communication system.

The plan includes "Pur-bachal New City" project on 6.150 acres of land in Rupgani thana of Narayanganj and Kaiiganj thana of Gazipur. "Expanded Uttara" project on 2,200 acres of land in the south of Ashulia read. "Purba Barid-hara" project for apartment of limited and middle-income groups. "Jhilmil City" project on 400 acres of land beside the Dhaka-Mawa road and "Dhan-sona City" project near Gazipur and Savar.

In reply to Kazi Keramat Ali (AL), the Prime Minister said a technical assistance project at a cost of Tk 4.27 lakh has been taken up for construction of the Padma bridge.

Besides, she said, the government has been maintaining contact with Japan and other donors to r#)bilise fund for the bridge.