Navy's bike expedition to 23 forts built by Shivaji

A team of 15 Indian Navy personnel on Wednesday left on a unique motorbike-cum-trekking month-long expedition covering 23 forts built by Chhatrapati Shivaji.

The expedition -- which will end on April 25 -- is part of the commemoration of the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and the birth anniversary celebrations of Maharashtra's revered warrior-king.

The motorbike expedition zoomed off from Mumbai to Shivneri fort in Raigad and will cover all the 23 forts built during Shivaji's reign in the Western Ghats and on the Konkan coast.

The naval personnel will travel around 2,500 km on motorbikes and trek another 350 km to visit all the forts and pay tribute to Shivaji who is considered the 'father' of the Indian Navy.

"Chhatrapati Shivaji's valour, strength, courage, speed, surprise etc., continue to be the essential prerequisites of modern-day warfare and serve as the guiding principles of the Indian armed forces," an official said.

INS Vikrant had served the Indian Navy for 36 years and as a tribute to its indomitable spirit, the Indian Navy will induct its first indigenously-built aircraft carrier which will also be named as Vikrant.

The invincible Vikrant is also being honoured by two-wheeler major Bajaj Auto Ltd. which has unveiled a bike built with metal from the erstwhile INS Vikrant.

The company has named it as 'V' symbolizing victory and are sponsors for the naval personnel's expedition.