ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s government has approved an updated master plan for Astana through 2035, effective Aug. 8, setting out how the capital will accommodate a population projected to reach nearly 2.3 million while expanding housing, schools, transport and utilities. Fivefold population growth since capital relocationAstana’s development has accelerated sharply since Kazakhstan moved its capital from Almaty to Akmola on Dec. 10, 1997. The master plan sets a target of 30 square meters of housing per resident by 2035, requiring the total housing stock to reach approximately 68.3 million square meters. The master plan will also underpin more detailed development programs for electricity, heating, gas, water supply, sewage and stormwater systems, as well as Astana’s comprehensive transport scheme. By 2035, Astana is expected to require preschool capacity for 159,194 children.