LUCKNOW, June 6 -- The Uttar Pradesh government plans to construct and develop 3,235 major and short bridges across the state. The initiative is part of a broader mission to establish U.P. as a state with seamless and robust connectivity, according to a statement issued by the state government on Thursday. The public works department (PWD) has set an ambitious target and as per the plan, Rs 28,346 crore will be invested in the construction of the proposed bridges. While the UP State Bridge Corporation will handle long-span bridges (over 60 metres), the PWD will oversee shorter bridges ranging from 6 to 60 metres, the statement said. Black spots are being identified and repaired, and efforts are underway to upgrade and reconstruct narrow and temporary bridges. These measures are expected to pave the way for a vast and modern network of bridges, boosting connectivity across the state, officials said. The focus will be on building permanent bridges, especially in areas where old bridges have been damaged. In flood-affected areas, bridge construction will be given priority, they added. To improve travel convenience and reduce distances, the government may relax the 10-km distance rule between proposed bridges, especially on the suggestions of public representatives. In rural areas, the 10-km rule will not apply to bridges near public places, religious sites, or tourist spots....