The article highlights the growing financial challenges faced by India's Smart Cities post the end of central funding in March 2025.With over 16 months since the cessation of funds, many cities like Jabalpur and Shivamogga are struggling to maintain their digital infrastructure.

The Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs), which were part of the ₹48,000 crore Smart Cities Mission, are under severe strain due to lack of maintenance budgets.For instance, Jabalpur's ITMS has been non-functional for over a year, and its grievance redressal platform faces frequent server issues.Similarly, Shivamogga's ICCC, designed to manage traffic, waste, and emergency services, now only operates the traffic component.The financial burden is significant, with operational costs reaching ₹10 lakh monthly.Cities are exploring solutions like monetizing land banks or partnerships to sustain operations.However, without dedicated funding, these systems risk becoming obsolete, raising concerns about the future of India's smart city initiatives.