The Indian Navy and TVS Motor Company have flagged off the ‘Fleet to Forts’ motorcycle expedition from Kohli Stadium at Navynagar in Mumbai. The ride will last two weeks and cover more than 1,600 km across Maharashtra with a Navy contingent of 25 members travelling on TVS’ Ronin motorcycles. The route includes 10 forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj including sites that are part of the UNESCO listed Maratha Military Landscapes of India.
Capt Shekhar Deshpande leads the contingent which includes Officers, Sailors and Agniveers. Women Officers, women Agniveers and women from the naval community are also involved in the group. The expedition will pass through interior towns and villages across Maharashtra before reaching the selected forts.
Youth outreach plays a significant role in this programme. The riders will speak about career opportunities in the Indian Navy and also explain the Agnipath Scheme, the Government of India’s short term recruitment programme for personnel below officer rank in the Armed Forces. The route gives the Navy a chance to engage directly with young people across several parts of the state.
The fort visits add the historical element to the ride. The selected locations are linked with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharashtra’s military and maritime heritage. TVS Ronin motorcycles will cover the full 1,600 km route. TVS Motor says the association with the Indian Navy fits the Ronin’s attitude towards exploration and long distance riding capabilities.
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.”
The ‘Fleet to Forts’ expedition will link motorcycle travel with Navy recruitment outreach and visits to key historic sites across Maharashtra. The entire team will use the 10 fort stops to engage communities, speak to young people and carry the Navy’s message through a journey of 14 days on TVS’ Ronin motorcycles.
