Indian Navy, TVS Motor Company Flag Off 'Fleet to Forts' Motorcycle Expedition in Maharashtra

The Indian Navy, in association with TVS Motor Company, flagged off the 'Fleet to Forts' Motorcycle Expedition today from Kohli Stadium, Navynagar, Mumbai, to raise awareness among youth about career opportunities in the Indian Navy. A 25-member Navy contingent will cover over 1,600 km across Maharashtra in 14 days on TVS Ronin motorcycles.

The ride includes scaling 10 forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, including those recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the nomination "Maratha Military Landscapes of India". The awareness effort focuses on the Agnipath Scheme, the Government of India's short-term recruitment programme for personnel below officer rank in the Armed Forces.

The contingent is led by Capt Shekhar Deshpande. It comprises Officers, Sailors and Agniveers, including women Officers, women Agniveers and women from the naval community, reflecting the Indian Navy's thrust on Nari Shakti. The route passes through interior towns and villages of Maharashtra.

At the flag-off ceremony, V Adm Rahul Vilas Gokhale, Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, stated that the Indian Navy continues to be a dominant force in the high seas and that its spirit of adventure, exploration and outreach is reflected in the expedition. He stated that the forts stand as reminders of vision, courage, organisation, resilience and the ability to build a formidable military capability in challenging circumstances. He said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj remains a continuous source of inspiration for the Indian Navy in building indigenous maritime capability.

V Adm Gokhale called upon the riders to carry a message to Young India to serve the nation with pride. He also asked them to use the opportunity to experience the culture, communities, landscapes and heritage of Maharashtra.

Speaking on the occasion, Vimal Sumbly, Head, Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, "We are extremely proud and honoured to continue our association with the Indian Navy through the 'Fleet to Forts' Motorcycle 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. This spirit resonates deeply 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. Through an #Unscripted lifestyle rooted in individuality and exploration, Ronin inspires riders to experience the road differently. We hope this expedition inspires a new generation to carry forward the courage, creativity and sense of purpose that define our shared journey. We wish the entire contingent a safe and memorable ride."

The collaboration allows TVS Motor Company to take stories of exploration, adventure and friendship to young Indians through the landscapes associated with India's maritime heritage.