US-based women's fitness club franchise Curves International Inc has announced plans to open up to 250 fitness centres in India.

The clubs will be opened over the next three years, a roll-out which will be managed by the master franchise, Curves India.

The plans include opening 30 centres in Mumbai, 50 in Delhi and 18 in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

In April, the company signed a deal with Q-Mart Retail Ventures, a chain of grocery stores, which will take on responsibility for Curves sites across Andhra Pradesh.

US Consul General Cornelis Keur, who presided over the signing ceremony, said the franchising opportunities presented by the roll-out will create jobs for Indians, increasing prosperity and providing more options for consumers. Curves India CEO David Ramadan added: "We want to bring our proven programme of health and fitness to Indian women."