The Indian Navy and TVS have joined forces for the ‘Fleet to Forts’ Motorcycle Expedition, a 14-day journey that will see a 25-member naval contingent ride more than 1,600 km across Maharashtra on TVS Ronin motorcycles.
The expedition was flagged off on September 29 from Navynagar, Mumbai, and will take the riders to 10 historic forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The route includes forts recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ nomination.
Led by Capt Shekhar Deshpande, the contingent comprises officers, sailors and Agniveers, along with women officers, women Agniveers and members of the naval community. Beyond the riding expedition, the initiative is intended to engage young Indians and raise awareness about career opportunities in the Indian Navy, including the Agnipath Scheme.
Speaking at the flag-off, V Adm Rahul Vilas Gokhale, Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, highlighted the connection between the expedition and the values represented by Maharashtra’s forts. He described them as reminders of vision, courage, organisation and resilience, while pointing to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s continuing influence on the Navy’s pursuit of indigenous maritime capability. He also encouraged the riders to use the journey to connect with Maharashtra’s communities, culture and heritage.
For TVS Motor, the expedition also extends its association with the Indian Navy. Vimal Sumbly, Head, Business - Premium, TVS Motor Company, said the journey brings together stories of valour, resilience and ingenuity while introducing young Indians to the landscapes that have shaped the country’s maritime heritage. He also linked the expedition to the TVS Ronin’s focus on individuality, exploration and an “#Unscripted” lifestyle.
The ‘Fleet to Forts’ expedition ultimately brings motorcycling, military heritage and youth engagement together, using Maharashtra’s historic landscape as the backdrop for a journey centred on exploration and service.
