New Delhi: General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), flagged off the Indian Army D5 Motorcycle Expedition from the National War Memorial today. The expedition commemorates the 25th anniversary of India’s victory in the Kargil War of 1999. The flag-off event saw the presence of Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, senior serving officers, Kargil War veterans, Veer Naris, and veterans.
Before the flag-off, General Pande interacted with the riders and handed over the Motorcycle Expedition Flag to the team leader. Archana Pande, President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), also felicitated Veer Naris during the event.
The Pan-India expedition began on June 12, 2024, from three corners of the country: Dinjan in the East, Dwarka in the West, and Dhanushkodi in the South. Three teams, each consisting of eight motorcyclists, traversed diverse terrains and challenging routes before converging in Delhi. General Deepak Kapoor (Retired), former COAS, flagged in the teams at Delhi Cantt on June 26, 2024. He lauded the bravery of Kargil War veterans, commended the expedition teams, and expressed gratitude to the sponsors for their support. Approximately 500 people, including serving officers, Kargil War veterans, Veer Naris, and families, participated enthusiastically in the event.
Post-Delhi, the teams proceeded along two different routes to Dras. One route goes through Ambala, Amritsar, Jammu, Udhampur, and Srinagar, covering 1,085 km. The other route traverses through Chandimandir, Manali, Sarchu, Nyoma, Tangtse, and Leh, covering 1,509 km. The expedition will culminate at Gun Hill in Dras, a site of strategic importance during the Kargil War. Along the way, the riders will reach out to Kargil War heroes, veterans, and Veer Naris residing en route, pay homage at war memorials, raise awareness, and encourage youth to join the Indian Army.
The Regiment of Artillery, which played a pivotal role in the success of Operation Vijay, is leading the expedition. As the riders journey to Dras, they carry stories of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. This expedition is a tribute to the valor and sacrifices of the Kargil War heroes and symbolizes the enduring spirit of the Indian Army. The event is sponsored by Hero Motocorp, HPCL, Apollo Hospitals, IFFCO, and Bank of Baroda as a tribute to the Kargil War heroes.