The inauguration was done in the august presence of Shri J. P. Nadda, Hon’ble Minister for Health &Family Welfare and Chemicals &Fertilizersand Shri PratapraoJadhav, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge),Ministry of Ayush& Hon'ble Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfarealong with senior officers of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Ayush and WHO.
The inauguration marked a significant milestone in India’s commitment to global public health and its leadership in integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern healthcare.
Executed by NBCC (India) Limited, India’s premier Navratna CPSE, the landmark redevelopment stands as a testament to the country’s capability to deliver world-class institutional infrastructure of international importance, combining modern design, sustainability and heritage conservation.
The redevelopment has transformed the original 1962 structure into a modern, future-ready and sustainable institutional complex, aligned with global standards. Apart from housing the WHO-SEARO office, the building will also play host the India Country Office.
Dignitaries including Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, DG, WHO, Shri J. P. Nadda, Hon’ble Minister for Health &Family Welfare and Chemicals &Fertilizers and PratapraoJadhav, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge),Ministry of Ayush& Hon'ble Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, senior officials and foreign delegates also visited the redeveloped headquarters of WHO–SEARO after its inauguration.
The project was implemented following an MoU signed in January 2019 between NBCC (India) Limited and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, representing WHO–SEARO.
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Built on the same plot where its original building stood, NBCC has successfully optimised land use to achieve a fourfold increase (from earlier about 10,500 sq.m. to now 40,500 sq.m.) in built-up area and nearly double the occupancy capacity (to more than 600 now), ensuring the facility can support both present and future needs of the region.
The newly redeveloped WHO–SEARO complex comprises a high-rise office development with a common podium and three interconnected towers, rising to a height of about 82.7 metres.
Designed to facilitate high-level international meetings, policy deliberations and administrative functions, the complex seamlessly blends functionality with comfort and aesthetics.
The project also includes three-level basements with an area of approximately 13,800 square metres, providing space for building services and parking. Sustainability has been a core focus of the redevelopment.
The complex incorporates rainwater harvesting, water treatment and reuse systems, energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems and a 100 kW rooftop solar photovoltaic installation.
In addition, drip irrigation systems and native plant species with low water demand have been used for landscaping, reinforcing long-term water conservation and environmentally responsible site development.
Key facilities include a spacious double-height entrance lobby, 200-seat auditorium and conference hall, modern office spaces, mezzanine floors with pantry provision on each office floor, staff cafeteria, breakout areas, terrace gardens, gymnasium and advanced vertical transportation systems.
Heritage elements from the old building, including a monumental mural painted in 1963 by legendary artist M.F. Husain, just a year after the original WHO–SEARO building and Portuguese tile murals, have been carefully restored and integrated into the new structure, preserving its historical and cultural legacy.
The redeveloped WHO–SEARO building stands today as a symbol of India’s infrastructure excellence and commitment to global public health leadership.
By delivering this iconic project, NBCC (India) Limited has once again demonstrated its expertise in executing complex, high-value projects with precision, sustainability and global relevance, creating a modern hub that will support health initiatives benefiting millions across South-East Asia.
