The CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon–2026, a flagship national public outreach and awareness initiative, was virtually flagged off recently from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.
The event was inaugurated by Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai.
With the flag-off, the 25-day national movement formally commenced, as two CISF cycling teams simultaneously set out from Bakkhali (West Bengal) and Lakhpat (Gujarat).
The teams will collectively traverse approximately 6,500 kilometres along India’s eastern and western coastlines, covering nine coastal States and two Union Territories, before culminating at Kochi on 22 February 2026.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by several eminent dignitaries who participated in a cycle rally near India Gate, symbolically extending their support to the cyclists.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister stated that the event was being organised to commemorate 150 years of “Vande Mataram”, the iconic song that inspired India’s freedom struggle and continues to guide generations in the spirit of national service.”
He emphasised that “coastal security can be strengthened only through active public participation, particularly by coastal communities”.
Highlighting a key institutional milestone, the Minister noted that it was a matter of national pride that CISF has been designated as the Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, placing the Force at the core of India’s maritime and port security architecture.
He further underlined that the initiative aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of “SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region” for the Indian Ocean.
The cyclothon aims to:
- Sensitise coastal communities about threats such as smuggling of drugs, weapons and explosives and encourage vigilance.
- Strengthen partnerships between coastal communities and security agencies for a robust coastal security network.
- Instil the spirit of Vande Mataram by honouring the sacrifices of freedom fighters, martyrs and security personnel and their families.
- Celebrate India’s rich maritime heritage, traditions, history, and geography, highlighting the invaluable contribution of coastal communities, especially fishermen.
- Promote fitness, discipline and healthy lifestyles, particularly among youth and coastal communities.
The initiative also seeks to emphasize the critical role of coastal communities —particularly fishermen — as the nation’s “Tat Praharis” (Sentinels of the Coast).
Community engagement forms a core pillar of the cyclothon in this edition. During the journey, the cyclothon will halt at 52 coastal villages, which will be adopted by CISF for sustained, year-long engagement.
In coordination with key stakeholders such as ONGC, Port Authorities and other maritime agencies, local CISF units will undertake community welfare and infrastructure development activities, supported through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
With 47 CISF units located near India’s coastline, the Force will ensure continued and long-term engagement with these adopted villages.
As part of sustained engagement, recruitment awareness drives, sports activities and youth interaction programmes will be conducted to encourage young citizens to participate in productive, nation-building activities.
The outreach plan also includes awareness programmes, cultural events, Swachh Bharat drives, plantation campaigns, and initiatives against drug abuse and trafficking, fostering social awareness, cleanliness and environmental responsibility among coastal communities.
Youth engagement and women’s empowerment remain key focus areas of the cyclothon.
Notably, 50 percent of the participating cyclists are women. Through fitness-led public interaction, the cyclothon seeks to inspire citizens to adopt discipline, physical fitness and a spirit of service to the nation.
The cyclothon will witness participation of notable personalities from sports, culture, film industry and public figures during major events at Mumbai, Goa, Mangaluru, Konark, Visakhapatnam and Chennai, before its culmination at Kochi.
