Nautical Trail Expedition: Indian Navy x Hyundai India

This journey dates back to ancient times. The Eastern coastline of India has always had a strong maritime legacy – from the powerful Kalinga empire (present-day Odisha) that once ruled the seas to Chandannagar in Bengal, where the French and the British battled for supremacy on the Hooghly river. Down south, the mighty Chola empire of Tamil Nadu established naval dominance across the Indian Ocean and South East Asia. The Nautical Trail set out to rediscover this incredible legacy with the Indian Navy, in a fleet of Hyundai Creta and Creta N Line SUVs.

At 6am, INS Netaji Subhas in Kolkata was a hive of activity. Naval officers and sailors from the Eastern Naval Command were making final preparations for the flag-off. Participants gathered and met senior dignitaries of the Indian Navy, who wished them well for the journey ahead – an 18-day, 3000+ kilometre drive down the Eastern coastline of India, ending in Chennai after reaching the southernmost tip at Kanyakumari. This expedition was about more than just the drive. It aimed to spread awareness about the Indian Navy, highlight career opportunities such as the Agnipath scheme, promote women empowerment and explore locations of maritime history and significance.

The route was simple – starting from Kolkata and covering Chandannagar, Digha, Paradip, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Vijayawada, Nellore and Chennai in leg 1. The second leg included Puducherry, Nagapattinam, Rameswaram, Tuticorin and Kanyakumari before returning to Chennai via Madurai, Thanjavur and Vellore to end the Nautical Trail.

At the heart of this expedition were the Hyundai Creta and Creta N Line SUVs, driven by some of the finest men and women officers of the Indian Navy. These vehicles tackled some of the best highways and some of the roughest roads the east coast had to offer. The Indian Navy needed cars that were capable and comfortable for long hours behind the ’wheel, all while keeping the occupants safe. Which is why the Hyundai Creta and Creta N Line were the right choice with Level 2 ADAS and six airbags as standard, both proudly made in India, just like the Navy’s own vessels.

The convoy was flagged off by Cmde Ajay Yadav, NOIC (West Bengal) from INS Netaji Subhas, Kolkata. As the drive progressed, the camaraderie among the officers and sailors grew stronger. Early morning briefings, route planning sessions and shared meals became part of the daily rhythm. Despite long hours on the road, spirits remained high – the blend of discipline and shared purpose keeping everyone motivated and ready to inspire each one along the way.

A key goal of the Nautical Trail was to inspire young Indians to consider a career in the Indian Navy. The convoy stopped at over 15 educational institutions, interacting with more than 3,500 students and 100 faculty members. Officers from various specialisations – aviation, engineering, IT, education and more – shared their journeys and answered every question the students had. Small or big, it didn’t matter. Many of the students were fascinated by the diversity of roles in the Indian Navy, ranging from submariners to naval aviators to communications and IT.

The Eastern Naval Command team comprising of officers, sailors and their families, led by Cmde Amarjeet Saluja, saw the first leg through to Chennai. “The Creta is so comfortable to drive yet sporty when you want it to be. That’s something I really enjoyed,” said Lt Cdr Khatri, a Chetak pilot. “The Creta N Line made me feel excited every time I drove it.” It was clear they appreciated the strong TGDI drivetrains and the sorted dynamics of these cars. These men and women are in charge of commandeering some of the most advanced machinery in the country. That they were impressed speaks volumes of the thrills that Hyundai’s cars provide!

Women empowerment was another pillar of this journey. Female officers led the way, sharing stories of how they became pilots, engineers, architects and more – making it clear that the Armed Forces value merit, dedication and equality above all else. Their stories, including the inspiring tale of the all-women “Navika Sagar Parikrama” circumnavigation aboard INSV Tarini, struck a deep chord with the young girls they met. For many, it was the first time they had interacted so closely with women in uniform and it was apparent that it made a lasting impression.

In Bhubaneswar, the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, welcomed the convoy at Raj Bhavan and applauded the initiative. As the drive continued to Visakhapatnam, the convoy turned heads everywhere it went. A dozen Hyundai Creta SUVs rolling in like a squad was obviously a sight no one could ignore. Visakhapatnam, the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command, was home to many of the officers who were a part of this expedition. If you’re ever in Vizag during Navy Day, you’ll be treated to the unforgettable sight of naval ships lit up in full glory. The sea breeze, the bustling port and the strong naval presence give the city a unique character. From Vizag, the convoy was flagged off once again – this time by Mrs. Sandhya Rao Pendharkar, President NWWA (ER) – towards the final destination of leg 1.

A new set of participants led by RAdm M Murali Mohan Raju joined in Chennai for the second leg. From there, the drive only got more scenic. One unforgettable moment was crossing the legendary Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge, once the longest sea bridge in India. Seeing the convoy of Hyundai SUVs stretch across the bridge was a surreal rear-view mirror moment. But nothing topped the drive to Dhanushkodi – the road flanked by sea on both sides, leading to India’s land’s end. This was also where the Ram Setu is said to begin, linking Indian mythology to modern geography. The weather was perfect and the sea shimmered on both sides, making it a visual treat.

Along the way, the convoy visited historic lighthouses at Tajpur, Kalingapatnam, Karaikal and Tuticorin – still critical navigational aids for seafarers. These towering structures have guided countless ships and stand as silent witnesses to India’s maritime history. Port visits to Nagapattinam and VOC Port in Tuticorin added to the maritime flavour. VOC Port, the second largest in Tamil Nadu, has a legacy dating back to the 15th century, making it a crucial hub for global trade. The convoy also made stops at Chola-era temples – timeless symbols of South India’s architectural brilliance and maritime power.

While the naval officers, sailors and the Hyundai SUVs took centre stage, a critical part of the Nautical Trail was the Hyundai ERS teams. This expedition was proof of how robust and reliable the Hyundai Creta and Creta N Line are – backed by Hyundai’s extensive service network across India. The ERS teams worked tirelessly, doing everything from tyre pressure checks to full diagnostics if needed, ensuring the convoy moved without hiccups.

The seamless experience offered by the vehicles made a significant impression on the participants. Many of them, used to rugged naval machinery, were impressed by the comfort, ease of use, and technology in the Creta and Creta N Line. From ventilated seats to the immersive Bose audio system and the intuitive infotainment, everything was designed to enhance the drive.

From Kanyakumari, the final leg back to Chennai was a reflective one – driving through some of the most picturesque coastal routes in the country. The expedition ended on a high as Unsoo Kim, MD, Hyundai Motor India Ltd along with J.T. Park, ED (Sales, Marketing & Service), Hyundai Motor India Ltd, and RAdm Satish Shenai, FOTNA, TN&P Area, flagged in the convoy. The final ceremony was a celebration of everything the Nautical Trail had accomplished – from inspiring students to connecting with local communities and highlighting India’s glorious naval history.

Unsoo Kim summed up this partnership with the Indian Navy perfectly, saying, “For 28 years, Hyundai Motor India has grown with India, built trust and always strived to do better for our customers. Today, I am proud to partner with the Indian Navy for the Nautical Trail. The Indian Navy’s dedication to protecting this land is truly inspiring and this partnership is a symbol of making India even greater.”

And just like that, 3000+ kilometres later, the Nautical Trail came to a close. But its impact – on students, participants and every town it touched – will be felt for a long time to come. The trail was more than a road trip; it was a voyage of discovery, legacy and inspiration.