Indian Navy, TVS Motor launch ‘Fleet to Forts’ ride across Maharashtra
A 25-member contingent will travel over 1,600 km and scale 10 forts linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, while engaging young people on naval careers, including recruitment through the Agnipath scheme.
Led by Captain Shekhar Deshpande, the 25-member contingent comprises naval officers, sailors and Agniveers, including women officers and women Agniveers, alongside women from the naval community.
MUMBAI: The Indian Navy, in association with TVS Motor Company, launched the ‘Fleet to Forts’ motorcycle expedition from Kohli Stadium in Navynagar, Mumbai, on September 29, combining heritage exploration with outreach on naval career opportunities.
The 14-day expedition will cover more than 1,600 km across Maharashtra and include climbs at 10 forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The itinerary includes forts inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as part of the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India”, according to a company statement.
Led by Captain Shekhar Deshpande, the 25-member contingent comprises naval officers, sailors and Agniveers, including women officers and women Agniveers, alongside women from the naval community. The riders will travel on TVS Ronin motorcycles through interior towns and villages.
The expedition aims to engage young people on opportunities in the Indian Navy, with a particular focus on the Agnipath recruitment scheme.
Addressing the flag-off ceremony, Vice Admiral Rahul Vilas Gokhale, Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, said the expedition reflected the Navy’s spirit of adventure, exploration and outreach.
He described the forts as reminders of vision, courage, organisation and resilience, and said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj remained a source of inspiration for building indigenous maritime capability. He urged the riders to encourage young Indians to serve the nation while experiencing Maharashtra’s communities, culture and heritage.
Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business–Premium at TVS Motor Company, said the expedition would take stories of courage and ingenuity to young people through historic forts and landscapes associated with India’s maritime heritage.
