The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) launched the Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon 2026 on January 28 as part of a nationwide outreach drive aimed at strengthening coastal security through active public participation. The event was virtually flagged off from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai.
India has a long coastline touching 72 districts, and life along these shores is closely tied to the country’s growth and security. Along the coast, ports stay busy around the clock, and countless businesses rely on sea routes to keep things moving. Important facilities are also situated near the shoreline, making the region even more sensitive. With all this activity concentrated in one stretch, keeping the coast secure cannot be left only to security personnel; it also depends on the alertness and cooperation of the communities that call these areas home. From busy harbours to small fishing villages and key defence and energy facilities, everyone along the coast has a role to play in keeping it secure.
Carrying forward the spirit of last year’s successful ride, this year’s Cyclothon has once again rolled out from two ends of the country Lakhpat in Gujarat on the western coast and Bakkhali in West Bengal on the eastern side. Over the next 25 days, the teams will pedal nearly 6,500 kilometres, tracing India’s vast shoreline before converging in Kochi on February 22.
At its core, the initiative is about connecting with people. The cyclists will stop at 52 coastal villages along the way, and CISF plans to continue engagement throughout the year through awareness drives and community-focused programmes in partnership with maritime agencies. Significantly, women account for half of the participants this time, sending out a strong message about inclusivity and equal representation.
The response on the ground has been heartening. In Odisha’s Kendrapara district, residents of Rajkanika turned out in large numbers to welcome the riders. The town wore a festive look, with people lining the roadsides, applauding and cheering as the cyclists passed through, clearly expressing their support for the initiative.
Addressing the gathering at the launch, the Minister said the event commemorates 150 years of “Vande Mataram” and reinforces the belief that coastal security can only be strengthened through collective effort. The initiative also aligns with the government’s SAGAR vision Security and Growth for All in the Region under the theme ‘Secure Coast, Prosperous India’.
