VFS Global-Led Consortium Secures Major Contract to Transform Property Registration in Maharashtra
Mumbai, May 6, 2026: A consortium led by VFS Global, in partnership with WE Excel Software Pvt. Ltd., has been awarded a five-year contract by the Government of Maharashtra to modernize property registration services across the state. Under the mandate from the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) and Controller of Stamps, the consortium will launch 60 “Model Sub-Registrar Offices” (SROs) in a phased manner. The initiative aims to replace traditional bottlenecks with a fast, transparent, and technology-enabled system designed to enhance the overall citizen experience, VFS Global said in a press release.
The new Model SROs will feature state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and modern amenities, including fully air-conditioned facilities, Wi-Fi-enabled waiting lounges, and trained service delivery teams. While the front-end operations and infrastructure will be managed by the specialized consortium, the offices will remain under strict government control and be staffed by departmental officials to maintain regulatory integrity. These high-end centers are intended as an optional service, allowing citizens to choose between the premium environment of a model office or the standard services of a regular SRO.
Ravindra Binwade, Inspector General of Registration (IGR), Government of Maharashtra, highlighted that the project is a strategic response to long-standing logistical issues. “The Model Office Concept is a strategic initiative designed to address the persistent bottlenecks in the current property registration system. For years, citizens have grappled with long queues, overcrowded Sub-Registrar Offices (SROs), and a lack of premium ambience. To tackle these challenges, department is trying a solution i.e. ‘Model Sub-Registrar Office’, the department is establishing 60 dedicated Model Sub-Registrar Offices. These facilities will remain under strict government control and be staffed by departmental officials to ensure regulatory integrity, while specifically aiming to reduce crowded atmosphere found in traditional offices,” Binwade stated. He added that the hybrid approach ensures smooth, high-quality transactions while keeping governance strictly within the department.
Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development at VFS Global, characterized the contract as a landmark for governance reform in India. “This initiative marks a transformative milestone in governance reforms and represents a significant leap towards more accessible, efficient, and transparent public services in Maharashtra, driven by technology and modern service delivery. We are grateful to the Government of Maharashtra for its forward‑looking vision in reimagining citizen services through technology‑enabled transformation. Winning this mandate is a major step forward for VFS Global in the Citizen Services space in India, building on our proven experience in delivering large‑scale, secure government services globally,” Vyas said.
The project is also expected to bolster the local economy by creating new employment opportunities for skilled service delivery teams throughout Maharashtra. VFS Global, which recently expanded its digital capabilities through the acquisition of Brazil-based CiX Citizen Experience, currently manages citizen services for ten governments globally. This latest partnership in Maharashtra underscores a growing trend of governments utilizing private sector operational expertise to deliver secure, future-ready public services at scale.
