Bhubaneswar is making significant strides in its preparations for the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2025, with a key focus on leveraging the advanced capabilities of the Central Command and Control Centre. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of Housing & Urban Development (H&UD), conducted a comprehensive review of the arrangements during her visit to the ICCC at Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL). The Central Command and Control Centre, a state-of-the-art facility central to Bhubaneswar’s smart city framework, is designed to monitor and manage urban services effectively. It is being utilised to ensure seamless coordination and preparedness for hosting this prestigious event. During the visit, Padhee evaluated the functionality of the Central Command and Control Centre and deliberated on strategies to enhance its application for PBD 2025. Discussions during the review included critical aspects such as traffic and mobility management, security and surveillance, event coordination, and public engagement. Padhee expressed confidence in Bhubaneswar’s capability to host the global event successfully, stating that the Central Command and Control Centre demonstrates the transformative power of technology in urban governance. She emphasised that the facility’s capabilities would be instrumental in presenting Bhubaneswar as a hub of smart, sustainable, and citizen-friendly practices. As per an official release, the command centre operates under the direct supervision of Dr. N. Thirumal Naik, Vice Chairman of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA). Officers from various departments, including Health & Family Welfare, Tourism, TPCODL, WATCO, BSNL, Commissionerate Police, Fire Services, and Transport, have been designated for first response and effective coordination. The command centre will function round the clock until January 11, 2025, to ensure meticulous planning and execution of the event. The advanced technological infrastructure of the Central Command and Control Centre is expected to play a pivotal role in managing the scale and complexity of PBD 2025, positioning Bhubaneswar as a leading example of smart city innovation and global event hosting.