The Indian Navy, in association with TVS Motor Company, part of TVS VENU, has flagged off the ‘Fleet to Forts’ Motorcycle Expedition from Kohli Stadium, Navynagar, Mumbai. The 14-day expedition will cover more than 1,600 km across Maharashtra and include visits to 10 historic forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, including forts recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the nomination ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’.
The expedition is also aimed at connecting with young Indians and creating awareness about career opportunities in the Indian Navy, with particular focus 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, including women officers, women Agniveers and ladies from the naval community. The participation of women across the contingent highlights the Indian Navy’s emphasis on Nari Shakti.
Riders will travel through Maharashtra’s interior towns and villages on TVS Ronin motorcycles, combining the expedition’s themes of adventure, heritage and outreach. The route will connect historic fort locations with communities and landscapes across the state, providing opportunities for interaction with young people and local communities.
V Adm Rahul Vilas Gokhale, Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, said the expedition reflected the Indian Navy’s spirit of adventure, exploration and outreach. He highlighted the forts as enduring reminders of vision, courage, organisation and resilience, and described Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a continuing source of inspiration for building indigenous maritime capability. He also called upon the riders to carry a message of service and nation-building to young Indians while experiencing Maharashtra’s culture, communities, landscapes and heritage.
Vimal Sumbly, Head, Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said the company was proud to continue its association with the Indian Navy through the expedition. He said the journey would bring stories of valour, resilience and ingenuity to young Indians through historic forts and landscapes associated with India’s maritime heritage.
The expedition also reflects the positioning of the TVS Ronin around exploration, individuality and an unscripted lifestyle. TVS Motor said the motorcycle’s character complements the expedition’s emphasis on discovering new routes and experiences while connecting with history and communities.
The ‘Fleet to Forts’ expedition brings together military service, motorcycle adventure, heritage and youth engagement. Through its journey across Maharashtra, the initiative will highlight the historical significance of the region’s forts while creating a platform for the Indian Navy to interact with young Indians and share information about opportunities to serve the nation.
TVS Motor Company (BSE: 532343; NSE: TVSMOTOR), part of TVS VENU, is a global manufacturer of two- and three-wheelers with manufacturing facilities in India and Indonesia. With a legacy spanning over 100 years, the company focuses on sustainable mobility, customer experience and technology-led innovation. TVS Motor operates across 90 countries and is recognized for its commitment to quality, engineering excellence and customer-focused products.
