Planning for Integrated Command and Control Centre in Indian Cities

The Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC) is instrumental in enhancing global cities' efficiency, resilience, and sustainability as the central hub for urban management. By integrating diverse technological solutions and data sources, the ICCC enables real-time monitoring, analysis, and control of urban systems, aiding informed decision-making in city planning. Urban planners leverage the ICCC to assimilate data from various sectors such as traffic management, public safety, utilities, and environmental monitoring, fostering a holistic understanding of urban dynamics. This data-driven approach empowers planners to anticipate challenges, identify trends, and devise effective strategies for sustainable development, including optimizing traffic flow and implementing targeted interventions for environmental sustainability. Moreover, the ICCC serves as a centralized platform for emergency response and fosters citizen engagement through smart governance tools, enabling residents to access real-time information and provide feedback. However, challenges like lack of infrastructure, governance, funding, and skills hinder its holistic implementation. As technology continues to advance, the role of the ICCC will evolve, presenting new opportunities for innovation and sustainable urban development. Proposed in all Smart Cities of India under the Smart Cities Mission, Integrated Control and Command Centres (ICCCs) are operational in 100 cities, with Agartala, Indore, and Vadodara highlighted for sustainable business models. Yet, challenges persist in creating comprehensive ICCC models. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to investigate and strategize the implementation of ICCCs in Indian cities for improved governance and urban resilience.