The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is set to launch the second edition of the CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon–2026, a landmark national initiative aimed at strengthening coastal security awareness, national unity and community participation.
Objective of organising the CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon:
India’s vast coastline is home to over 250 ports, including 72 EXIM ports that handle nearly 95% of the nation’s trade. These ports, along with refineries, shipyards, and nuclear power plants located along the coast, are critical to India’s economic growth and energy security. However, they also face persistent threats such as smuggling of drugs, arms, explosives, infiltration, and other illegal activities. For over five decades, CISF has been entrusted with safeguarding 12 major ports and other critical infrastructure along the coasts.
Building upon the success of the first CISF Coastal Cyclothon, the 2026 edition carries forward this historic movement with renewed resolve and a stronger national connect.
Flag-off Ceremony:
Sh. Nityanand Rai, Hon’ble Minister of State for Home Affairs will virtually flag off the CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon–2026 on 28 January 2026 from the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, in the presence of senior officers and distinguished dignitaries.
Theme and Vision:
The Cyclothon is being organised with the theme –
“Surakshit Tat, Samridh Bharat” (Secure Coasts, Prosperous India)
and carries the patriotic essence of Vande Mataram , symbolising national pride, unity, and collective responsibility towards safeguarding India’s coastline.
Scale and Route of the Cyclothon:
The Cyclothon is a 25-day, 6,553-kilometre cycling expedition covering the entire mainland coastline of India, making it one of the most extensive coastal cycling campaigns ever undertaken in the country.
Two teams of CISF cyclists will commence simultaneously:
- Western Coast: From Lakhpat Fort, Kachchh, Gujarat
- Eastern Coast: From Bakkhali, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal
After traversing coastal roads across the country, both teams will converge at Kochi, Kerala on 22 February 2026.
Major cities en route include:
- Western Coast: Surat, Mumbai, Goa, Mangaluru
- Eastern Coast: Haldia, Konark, Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Puducherry, Kanyakumari
Participants and Preparation:
- 130 CISF personnel, and including 65 women personnel, will participate in the Cyclothon, reflecting inclusivity, resilience and operational strength.
- All participants have undergone over a month of rigorous training, focusing on:
- Endurance building
- Nutrition management
- Cycling safety and long-distance riding
- Bicycle maintenance, posture optimisation, and efficient pedalling techniques
- Professional cyclists were engaged during preparatory sessions to fine-tune performance and safety standards.
Objectives of the Cyclothon:
The CISF Coastal Cyclothon–2026 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.
CISF’s Statutory Role in Port Security and Community Outreach:
The Government of India has designated the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for port security under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. In pursuance of this mandate, CISF will undertake fresh Port Facility Security Assessments (PFSA) and prepare Port Facility Security Plans (PFSP) for all EXIM ports (approximately 72 ports), in accordance with directions issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
In this context, CISF has launched its first-ever specialised training programme for private security personnel at ports, strengthening India’s Hybrid Port Security Model. The programme, rolled out at JNPA Mumbai and Chennai Port Authority, focuses on capacity building, standardisation of security protocols and compliance with international maritime security norms.
At present, CISF is deployed at all 12 Major Ports of the country, as well as at one strategically important port at Port Blair, underscoring its important role in India’s maritime security framework.
SEAPORTS UNDER CISF SECURITY COVER:
| S.No. | Name of the Unit | State |
| 1 | HDC Haldia | WB |
| 2 | SPMP Kolkata | WB |
| 3 | PPA Paradip | ODISHA |
| 4 | VPA Visakhapatnam | AP |
| 5 | Ch.P.A. Chennai | TN |
| 6 | Kamarajar Port Ltd., Ennore | TN |
| 7 | V.O.C.P.A. Tuticorin | TN |
| 8 | CPA Cochin | KERALA |
| 9 | DPA Kandla | GUJARAT |
| 10 | JNPA Sheva | MAHARASHTRA |
| 11 | MPA Mumbai | MAHARASHTRA |
| 12 | MPA Goa | GOA |
| 13 | NMPA Mangalore | KARNATAKA |
| 14 | Port of Port Blair | A & N |
As part of the Coastal Cyclothon–2026 outreach initiative, CISF cyclist teams will halt overnight at more than 50 selected coastal villages, symbolising solidarity and respect towards coastal communities. This engagement will extend beyond the Cyclothon, with CISF maintaining sustained interaction through its 47 units located in coastal regions. Planned activities include awareness programmes on recruitment and fitness, cleanliness drives, and community outreach initiatives.
In selected coastal villages, additional welfare and development activities are proposed in partnership with stakeholders through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. These efforts aim to support infrastructure development and extension of essential services, thereby strengthening long-term engagement with coastal communities and reinforcing inclusive national security.
Highlights of Community Engagement and Outreach Programs:
- Throughout the journey: Ten major public events will be organised across the western and eastern coasts.
DETAILS OF MEGA EVENTS:
| Event | Date | Place/State | No. of events |
| Flag off(Virtual) | 28.01.2026 | Bakkhali, West Bengal) | 02 |
| —do— | Lakhpat Fort (Gujarat) | ||
| Major Events | 28.01.2026 | Haldia (West Bengal) | 07 |
| 02.02.2026 | Konark (Odisha) | ||
| 06.02.2026 | Vizag (Andhra Pradesh) | ||
| 13.02.2026 | Chennai (Tamil Nadu) |
- Numerous smaller engagements will include:
- Cultural performances
- Community interactions
- Outreach programmes with local fishermen
- Swachh Bharat cleanliness drives
- Plantation campaigns
- Cyclists will halt overnight in select coastal villages, expressing solidarity, gratitude, and respect towards local communities.
- Engagement with local fishermen and coastal communities remains a core focus, alongside awarenessprogrammes against drug abuse and human trafficking, both on-ground and online.
- These activities are designed to bring citizens, students, NCC cadets, and local stakeholders together on a common platform for national service and awareness.
National Outreach and Participation:
The Cyclothon is expected to draw nationwide attention, reinforcing the importance of vigilance and preparedness in safeguarding India’s vulnerable coastal areas.
To ensure wide dissemination of the message, simultaneous press briefings are being conducted in nine major cities along the Cyclothon route: Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru, Kochi, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai.
Coordination and Contact:
For further details regarding routes, schedules, etc please visit our website-www.cisf.gov.in.
For coordination and queries related to the CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon– 2026, a Central Control Room has been established in CISF WS HQRS NAVI Mumbai.
- Phone: 022-27762015
- Email: igws@cisf.gov.in
Source and photo credits: CISF
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Author: Vijay Malhotra, Mumbai.
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