CISF coastal cyclothon 2026 to boost maritime security awareness

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will organise the second edition of the CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon 2026 from January 28 to February 22 to create awareness on coastal security and promote national unity and community participation.

A total of 130 CISF personnel, including 65 women, will take part in the cyclothon, reflecting the force’s emphasis on inclusivity, resilience and operational preparedness. Participants have undergone over a month of intensive training, focusing on endurance building, nutrition management, long-distance cycling safety, bicycle maintenance, posture optimisation and efficient pedalling techniques. Professional cyclists were engaged during the preparatory phase to ensure performance efficiency and safety standards.

The 25-day cycling expedition will cover 6,533 km along the entire mainland coastline of the country. It aims to sensitise coastal communities to maritime security concerns and emergency response mechanisms, besides training fishermen and strengthening their role in coastal vigilance. The cyclothon is being organised as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of Vande Mataram. The theme of the event is “Surashit Tat, Samridh Bharat” (Secure Coasts, Prosperous India). Two teams of CISF cyclists will commence the expedition by covering the western coast and the eastern coast, respectively. They will converge in Kochi, Kerala. The event will culminate at Kanyakumari.

As many as 130 CISF personnel, including 65 women, will take part in the cyclothon. The participants have undergone over a month of training. The teams will halt at more than 50 coastal villages along the route to engage with local communities.

The cyclothon aims to sensitise coastal communities about threats such as smuggling of drugs, weapons and explosives, while encouraging vigilance and cooperation with security agencies. It also seeks to strengthen partnerships between coastal populations and law enforcement agencies to build a robust coastal security network.

The initiative will promote the spirit of Vande Mataram by honouring the sacrifices of freedom fighters, martyrs and security personnel, while celebrating India’s rich maritime heritage as well as the vital role of the coastal communities, particularly fishermen. It will also encourage fitness, discipline and healthy lifestyles, especially among the youth.

Under the ISPS Code, CISF serves as the Recognised Security Organisation for port security and is deployed at all 12 major ports, as well as the strategic Port Blair facility.

India is home to over 250 ports, each of which is essential for economic growth and energy security. Nearly 18% of India’s population resides in coastal districts. The blue economy, encompassing fisheries, ports, shipping, coastal tourism, and marine resources, contributes 4% to the national GDP and supports millions. The cyclothon underscores the role of coastal security in facilitating trade, investment, tourism and port-led development, and serves as a high-impact national communication platform.

“The initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region), which underscores the importance of coastal security and development alongside inland and industrial growth under the Government of India’s framework,” said Manjunath H., Deputy Inspector General, CISF.