EGIS India, a subsidiary of the EGIS Group, the French infrastructure and engineering consultancy major terming that 100 Smart Cities initiative is a big ticket to the infrastructure project informed that they would be participating in the initiative.

Nicolas Jachiet, chairman and CEO of EGIS Group said, "India is the future. More and more economies and companies will be looking at India to offer innovative and cost effective manufacturing and service solutions. The announcement of 100 Smart Cities is added a big ticket for infrastructure projects in the country. As India gears up to develop 100 Smart Cities, EGIS is one of the most suited partner for the Indian Government with its global experience and local exposure."

Jachiet also informed that to meet that expectation like 100 Smart Cities, India needs to develop its infrastructure and added that Egis, as a global player, with its strong local presence is best suited to partner the country in its infrastructure readiness.

"We are waiting for the request for proposals for the 100 smart Cities. We have a full range of capabilities and first we will do the feasibility study, design and the project of the construction and management. We are looking at the developing three smart cities, including Nagpur and Puducherry," said Jachiet.

EGIS India is already working on the ICT integration of Dholera, the first Smart City in India that will set the benchmark for other Smart Cities in the future in India.

"India has emerged as one of the key markets for the EGIS Group and we plan to make significant investments to drive growth in India. We are looking at growing both organically and inorganically in the Indian market."

The EGIS Group, which has a presence in over 100 countries reported a global turnover of Euro 854 million, in 2014 where it employs 12000 people, and is doing more than 53 percent of its turnover done outside its French home market.

The company's order book amounts to Euro 1,208 million. At the end of 2014, the amount of contracts awarded but not signed was Euro 209 million. The French group offering engineering, project structuring and operations services, which have given EGIS India additional responsibility of managing Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal is now, looking forward to making India the global base for Asia and Middle East.

India, Middle East, African region, Algeria, and Brazil are fast growing markets for the group. The firm, globally, has a 25 per cent equity shareholding by partners and employees. The company is active in wide ranging urban infrastructure projects including roads and highways, railways, water management, buildings and airports.