The Indian Navy, in association with TVS Motor Company, part of TVS Venu and a global manufacturer of two- and three-wheelers, has flagged off the ‘Fleet to Forts’ Motorcycle Expedition from Kohli Stadium at Navynagar in Mumbai.
The 14-day expedition will cover more than 1,600 km across Maharashtra and scale 10 forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, including forts recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the nomination ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’.
Expedition combines heritage and outreach
Beyond its focus on adventure and heritage, the expedition aims to create awareness among young people about career opportunities in the Indian Navy, with particular emphasis on the Agnipath Scheme, the Government of India’s short-term recruitment programme for personnel below officer rank in the Armed Forces.
The 25-member contingent is led by Capt Shekhar Deshpande and comprises officers, sailors and Agniveers, along with women officers, women Agniveers and ladies from the naval community.
The participation of women across the contingent highlights the Indian Navy’s focus on Nari Shakti and provides a platform to showcase the expanding role of women in the armed forces.
TVS Ronin powers the journey
The riders will travel through interior towns and villages of Maharashtra on TVS Ronin motorcycles, covering a route that connects historic forts, communities and landscapes.
The association with the Indian Navy gives TVS Motor an opportunity to take themes of exploration, adventure and camaraderie to young Indians through landscapes closely linked to India’s maritime heritage.
Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy remains an inspiration
V Adm Rahul Vilas Gokhale, Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, said the Indian Navy continues to be a dominant force on the high seas and that its spirit of adventure, exploration and outreach is reflected in the ‘Fleet to Forts’ expedition.
He said the forts are enduring reminders of vision, courage, organisation, resilience and the ability to build formidable military capabilities in challenging circumstances.
V Adm Gokhale also highlighted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a continuing source of inspiration for the Indian Navy in building indigenous maritime capability. He called upon the riders to carry a message to young India to serve the nation with pride, while using the expedition to experience Maharashtra’s culture, communities, landscapes and heritage.
TVS Motor highlights spirit of exploration
TVS Motor Company Head, Business – Premium, Vimal Sumbly said the company was proud to continue its association with the Indian Navy through the expedition.
“The journey brings alive stories of valour, resilience and ingenuity, taking these inspiring stories to young Indians through historic forts and coastal landscapes that have shaped our maritime heritage,” Sumbly said.
He added that the spirit of the expedition resonates with the TVS Ronin, which encourages riders to chart their own path, embrace the unexpected and turn every journey into a story of their own.
The ‘Fleet to Forts’ expedition brings together adventure, heritage and national service while providing an outreach platform to connect with the next generation and highlight avenues for young Indians to contribute to nation-building.