The Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) has announced the dates and key details for the 2026 Women’s Rally to the Valley, a prominent event celebrating female participation in motorsports and automotive adventures. The rally is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Rally Route and Participants
This year’s rally will see approximately 300 women embark on a journey of around 125 kilometers, traversing from Mumbai to the scenic locale of Karjat. The event aims to provide a platform for women to showcase their driving skills and camaraderie.
WIAA Chairman Nitin Dossa highlighted the anticipated scale of the event, stating, “We have received around 75 entries (cars), and more are open. A total of 300 people are expected to join us for the rally.”
Registration Details and Fees
Registration for the 2026 Women’s Rally to the Valley is priced at Rs 15,000 per car. Each vehicle can accommodate up to three participants. However, only two individuals per car will be permitted to drive, provided they possess a valid FMSCI driver’s competition license, which will be issued upon successful registration.
The deadline for registration was initially set for March 24. Recognizing the interest, the WIAA has extended this deadline to March 26, 1 pm, allowing more participants to join the event.
Participants are responsible for providing their own vehicles and will also need to cover expenses for tolls and fuel throughout the rally. This ensures participants are fully equipped for the journey.
Car Decoration and Themes
A unique aspect of the rally is the opportunity for participants to personalize their vehicles. Cars can be decorated with slogans and themes of the participants’ choosing, adding a creative and vibrant dimension to the event.
Rally Commencement and Schedule
The 2026 Women’s Rally to the Valley is scheduled to commence on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The flag-off ceremony will take place at the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) in Worli, Mumbai, promptly at 8 am.
Participants are requested to arrive at the NSCI venue by 5:30 am. This early arrival is crucial for the pre-rally procedures, including thorough documentation checks and vehicle inspections to ensure all cars meet the necessary safety and competition standards before the official start.
Navigational Challenges and Destination
The rally route is designed to challenge participants’ navigational skills. Drivers will be guided through a 125km course leading out of Mumbai and onto hilly terrains. Notably, the navigation will rely on rally-style roadbooks, and participants will not have access to GPS assistance.
The rally concludes at the Novotel Imagicaa hotel in Karjat, a picturesque destination that serves as the endpoint for this challenging yet rewarding journey.
Continuing a Tradition of Excellence
In keeping with tradition, the 2026 rally will be led by the winners from the previous year’s event. This adds an element of prestige and continuity to the rally, with past champions setting the pace.
Participant Testimonials
The enthusiasm for the rally is evident among participants. Pooja, who is competing for the second consecutive year with her mother, shared her experience: “Every car in the rally has a story. For all the hours in the car, the steering is in your hand, similar to how you steer your life in the real world. So I would thank WIAA for organising this and would request them to arrange more such rallies every year.”
Her sentiment underscores the rally’s broader impact, fostering a sense of empowerment and personal reflection among the participants, extending beyond the competitive aspect of the event.