Why the project matters
Integrated Security Hub in Andaman and Nicobar Islands: India has strengthened its island security architecture with the inauguration of a high-tech Integrated Command and Control Centre in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The project reflects a coordinated approach where national security, disaster preparedness, and developmental governance move together. Island territories, due to their isolation and vulnerability, require faster coordination than mainland regions.
The project also aligns with India’s larger maritime and coastal security priorities in the Indian Ocean Region. Islands act as forward assets for surveillance and response, especially in geopolitically sensitive sea routes.
Integrated Command and Control Centre
The Integrated Command and Control Centre has been developed at a cost of ₹229 crore. It functions as a centralized platform integrating surveillance systems, communication networks, and emergency coordination under one roof. Multiple departments can now operate in real time during security threats or natural disasters.
The facility is designed on par with similar command centres operating in major Indian metropolitan cities. This reflects the government’s intention to bring urban-level governance infrastructure to remote island territories.
Static GK fact: Integrated Command and Control Centres were first promoted in India under the Smart Cities Mission to improve urban governance and emergency response.
Additional development projects
Alongside the command centre, nine development projects were inaugurated and foundation stones for two more projects were laid. The combined investment of these initiatives stands at ₹373 crore. These projects focus on public infrastructure, administrative efficiency, and service delivery.
Such investments aim to ensure that island residents benefit from improved connectivity, governance, and safety. Development initiatives are being planned without compromising internal security needs.
Strategic importance of the islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands occupy a critical position near major international sea lanes in the eastern Indian Ocean. Strengthened surveillance from the islands improves maritime domain awareness and supports regional security.
The islands are also prone to cyclones, earthquakes, and tsunamis, making integrated emergency systems essential for saving lives and minimizing damage. Quick coordination across agencies is crucial in disaster-prone geographies.
Static GK Tip: The Ten Degree Channel separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands and is a key navigational feature in the region.
Government vision for island territories
The government has emphasized balanced development of remote regions by combining security, tourism, and economic growth. Tourism promotion in islands requires robust safety infrastructure, both for residents and visitors.
Over the past decade, island development has been treated as a strategic priority rather than a peripheral concern. Infrastructure-led governance helps integrate distant territories more closely with national objectives.
Geographic overview of the islands
The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago consists of nearly 572 islands, of which only 37 are inhabited. The islands stretch across the Bay of Bengal, forming India’s eastern maritime frontier.
Static GK fact: Indira Point in the Nicobar Islands marks the southernmost tip of India.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Integrated Security Hub in Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
| Topic | Detail |
| Project Name | Integrated Command and Control Centre |
| Location | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| Inaugurated By | Union Home Minister |
| Cost of Command Centre | ₹229 crore |
| Total Investment | ₹373 crore |
| Projects Inaugurated | 9 projects |
| Foundation Stones Laid | 2 projects |
| Core Objective | Security coordination and disaster response |
| Strategic Value | Maritime security and surveillance |
| Geographic Importance | Near major Indian Ocean sea lanes |
