CISF launches 6,553 km Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon 2026
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is set to flag off the second edition of the CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon 2026 on January 28, marking a powerful blend of national security, gender inclusion and community outreach. The 25 day cyclothon will be virtually flagged off by the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai from the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.
CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan, senior officers and dignitaries will be present during the launch. The initiative seeks to “associate the coastal population with national objectives and sensitise local communities about the importance of coastal security”. The nationwide cycling expedition, themed “Surakshit Tat, Samridh Bharat” (Secure Coasts, Prosperous India), is part of the commemoration of 150 years of Vande Mataram and reflects the force’s expanding role beyond guarding critical infrastructure to actively engaging citizens.
Of the 130 CISF personnel participating, 65 are women underscoring the growing presence and leadership of women in India’s security forces. Covering 6,553 kilometres over 25 days, the cyclothon will traverse the entire mainland coastline of India.
Two teams will start simultaneously on January 28, one from Lakhpat Fort in Kachchh, Gujarat along the western coast, and the other from Bakkhali in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal along the eastern coast. After passing through key coastal cities and villages, both teams will converge in Kochi, Kerala on February 22 for the finale event.
Major cities on the western route include Surat, Mumbai, Goa and Mangalore while the eastern route will pass through Haldia, Konark, Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Puducherry and Kanyakumari.
The cyclothon will pass through 11 States and Union Territories, making it one of the most extensive coastal cycling campaigns ever undertaken in the country. India’s coastline, dotted with over 250 ports, including 72 EXIM ports handling nearly 95 per cent of the nation’s trade, remains vital to economic growth and energy security.
At the same time, it faces persistent threats such as smuggling of drugs, arms and explosives, infiltration and other illegal activities. For more than five decades, the CISF has been entrusted with securing 12 major ports and other critical coastal infrastructure, including refineries, shipyards and nuclear power facilities. Building on the success of the first coastal cyclothon held in March 2025, the 2026 edition aims to deepen community participation. Around 18 per cent of India’s population lives in coastal districts, and nearly 95 per cent of trade by volume and 70 per cent by value moves through maritime routes.
“The cyclothon is meant to strengthen partnerships between coastal communities and security agencies,” a CISF spokesperson said, adding that public vigilance is a key component of maritime security. All participating cyclists have undergone over a month of rigorous training, focusing on endurance, nutrition management, long-distance cycling safety, bicycle maintenance and posture optimisation. Professional cyclists were also engaged during preparatory sessions to fine-tune performance and safety standards.
As part of its outreach, CISF teams will halt overnight at more than 50 selected coastal villages, engaging with fishermen and local residents through cultural programmes, awareness campaigns against drug abuse and human trafficking, Swachh Bharat cleanliness drives and plantation activities.
