CISF Coastal Cyclothon to kick off on January 28, ride through Mumbai on February 11

MUMBAI: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will flag off “Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon” on Jan 28 a 25-day, 6,553 km long cycling expedition along India’s mainland coastline with planned halts enroute for community outreach in order to boost coastal security awareness, national unity and community participation. The cyclists will reach Mumbai region on Feb 10 night and the next morning the group will cycle from Vasai to Gateway of India. The cyclothon is open to all, cyclists can register (www.cisf.gov.in) and join the expedition for any duration. “Two teams of CISF cyclists will commence simultaneously, one from the western coast at Lakhpat Fort in Kachchh, Gujarat and the other from Bakkhali in West Bengal. They will travel south along the western and eastern coastline to converge at Kochi on Feb 22,” said Padmakar Ranipse, additional director general (south), CISF. Mamta Rahul, deputy inspector general (western zone), CISF said: “Building on the first cyclothon held last year, the 2026 edition will see 130 CISF personnel, which includes 65 or 50 % women cyclists. Last year, women made up 10 %.” The female participation in the cyclothon is high given that they comprise only 10 % of the total CISF workforceThe cyclothon is designed to sensitise coastal communities to threats such as smuggling of drugs, arms and explosives, while strengthening cooperation between citizens and security agencies. The outreach also aims to highlight India’s maritime heritage and the role of coastal communities, particularly fishermen, in safeguarding the shoreline. During the journey, the teams will halt overnight in select coastal villages and hold smaller engagements including community interactions, cleanliness drives, plantation campaigns and awareness programmes on drug abuse and human trafficking. 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.The cyclists have undergone over a month of rigorous training covering endurance building, nutrition, long-distance riding, safety and bicycle maintenance, with professional cyclists engaged to fine-tune performance and safety standards.For Mumbai cyclists interested in joining the cyclothon, here are the details February 11: Route from Vasai to Gateway of IndiaStart: Naigaon East / Vasai–Virar — 05:30 amVia Western Express Highway (WEH)Kashimira → Dahisar East → Borivali East (Sanjay Gandhi National Park) → Goregaon EastChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Smarak, Navpada39 km | 07:15–07:45 amBandra East via Kalanagar Flyover / BKC RoadMahim via L.J. RoadShivaji Park via Veer Savarkar MargSiddhivinayak Temple via S.K. Bole RoadWorli, Nehru Planetarium via Dr Annie Besant RoadHaji Ali to Marine Lines via Pedder road Marine Drive (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road)Mantralaya via Madam Cama RoadFinish: Gateway of India — 10:00 am