NBCC Transforms 1962 Building into Modern WHO-SEARO HQOn December 19, 2025, the World Health Organization’s South-East Asia Regional Office (WHO-SEARO), located in Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi, celebrated its grand reopening. The ceremony, marking the conclusion of the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine from December 17-19, was presided over by India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO. The event was also graced by notable Indian officials including Shri J.P. Nadda, Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, and Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State for the Ministry of Ayush and Health and Family Welfare, alongside top representatives from both ministries and the WHO.
NBCC (India) Limited, a prominent state-owned enterprise, undertook the extensive renovation of the venerable 1962 building. This project has not only modernized the premises but also expanded its capacity and sustainability, making it a paragon of contemporary institutional architecture. The office now not only serves as WHO-SEARO’s headquarters but also houses the India Country Office.
Following the ribbon-cutting, the dignitaries conducted a tour of the new facilities, appreciating the blend of modernity and functionality. The redevelopment initiative began with a Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2019 between NBCC and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on behalf of WHO-SEARO. The revamped complex boasts a significantly enlarged footprint, growing from approximately 10,500 square meters to 40,500 square meters, and is designed to accommodate over 600 personnel.
Architectural highlights of the new WHO-SEARO complex include a multi-story structure with three interconnected towers and a shared base, stretching up to about 82.7 meters. It is equipped to host high-profile international gatherings and routine administrative operations, offering a harmonious balance of utility and design aesthetics.
The complex also features a three-level basement spanning roughly 13,800 square meters, dedicated to building utilities and parking. A strong emphasis on eco-friendly practices is evident in features like rainwater harvesting, water recycling, energy-efficient lighting, and a solar power installation. The landscape incorporates drought-resistant plants and drip irrigation, emphasizing sustainability.
Additional amenities in the new building include a double-height entrance lobby, a 200-seat auditorium, modern office spaces, and leisure facilities such as a cafeteria, gym, and terrace gardens. Notable historical elements, including a mural by M.F. Husain and Portuguese tile art, have been meticulously restored and integrated into the new design, preserving the site’s historical essence.
This project underscores India’s dedication to excellence in infrastructure and leadership in global public health, showcasing NBCC (India) Limited’s capability to execute complex projects that meet international standards and serve critical regional needs.
