New 2026 building standards remove 45-metre cap, enabling vertical expansion to improve capacity and accessibility
Policy Shift to Transform Urban Healthcare Infrastructure
In a significant regulatory reform aimed at strengthening healthcare access in urban India, the Centre has relaxed height restrictions for hospitals. Under the newly notified National Building Construction Standards 2026 by the Bureau of Indian Standards, hospitals can now expand vertically beyond the earlier 45-metre cap—provided they comply with enhanced fire safety protocols.
The updated framework replaces the previous National Building Code and introduces a more flexible approach to hospital infrastructure development, especially in densely populated cities where land availability is limited.
Focus on Safety Alongside Expansion
While the new norms allow taller hospital buildings, they come with stricter fire safety requirements. Authorities have emphasized that compliance with advanced fire prevention, evacuation systems, and regular safety audits will be mandatory for all facilities opting for vertical expansion.
This move is aimed at balancing infrastructure growth with patient safety, particularly in high-risk environments like hospitals that handle critical care and oxygen-dependent patients.
Industry Leaders Welcome the Reform
Healthcare industry stakeholders have welcomed the decision, calling it a “future-ready” step.
Dr. Sangita Reddy, Group MD of Apollo Hospitals and President of NATHEALTH, said the revised norms will unlock much-needed capacity and improve operational efficiency. She noted that cost benefits achieved through better infrastructure utilisation could eventually be passed on to patients.
Varun Khanna, Vice President of NATHEALTH and Group MD of Quality Care India Ltd, highlighted that addressing structural constraints has long been critical for healthcare evolution. He emphasized that the reform could enhance capacity without proportionate increases in capital expenditure by optimally using existing infrastructure.
Economic and Operational Impact
Dr. Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, MD and CEO of Fortis Healthcare, pointed out that land and construction costs form a major portion of hospital investments. The ability to build vertically, he said, will help bridge capacity gaps in urban centres while avoiding long gestation periods associated with new hospital projects.
According to NATHEALTH, the policy will reduce dependence on greenfield developments, which are often capital-intensive and time-consuming. Instead, hospitals can expand within existing premises, improving efficiency and speeding up service delivery.
A Step Toward Scalable Healthcare
The reform is expected to play a crucial role in improving healthcare delivery at scale. Experts believe that stronger infrastructure will not only enhance patient outcomes but also contribute to workforce productivity and overall economic resilience.
With urban populations rising and demand for quality healthcare increasing, the move signals a strategic shift toward smarter, safer, and more scalable hospital infrastructure in India.
