Fast food chain McDonald’s expects to have 250 stores operating in west and south India in three years time.

Hardcastle Restaurants, which manages McDonald’s in western and southern region of India, plans an annual expansion of up to 50 stores during the next three years.

The McDonald’s network of 140 current outlets in those regions is expected to grow to 160 by the year-end, says Hardcastle Restaurants vice chairman Amit Jatia.

The US-based fast food chain on Monday opened its first outlet in Coimbatore, a city in south India. Between 30 and 35 stores are planned for Tamil Nadu in the next three to four years.

Hardcastle Restaurants is expanding McDonald’s’ reach by expanding the portfolio and access points with formats like kiosks, drive thrus, web-delivery and petrol pumps in addition to the restaurants.

McDonald’s and Hardcastle Restaurants formed a joint venture in March 1995, opening the first restaurant in 1996.