PM, WHO DG inaugurate redeveloped WHO–SEARO headquarters
The redeveloped headquarters of the World Health Organisation, South-East Asia Regional Office (WHO–SEARO) at Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi, was inaugurated on December 19, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and WHO DG Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the closing ceremony of the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine held in the national Capital last week. Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Prataprao Jadhav, top Central Government officials and WHO representatives were present on the occasion.
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 NavratnaCPSE, 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 to the India Country Office.
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.
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 sqm to now 40,500 sqm) 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, said a Press statement from the organisation.
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 MF 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, added the Press release, creating a modern hub that will support health initiatives benefiting millions across South-East Asia.
