CISF ‘Vande Mataram’ coastal cyclothon 2026 flagged off virtually; focus on strengthening coastal security through public participation

NEW DELHI: Flagging off the CISF 'Vande Mataram' Coastal Cyclothon 2026 -- an initiative to engage the coastal communities and involve them in securing the coast as well as ports of the country -- virtually on Wednesday, junior home minister Nityanand Rai said the event commemorates 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".

Rai emphasised that the ministry of home affairs (MHA) led by home minister Amit Shah, "is placing special emphasis on strengthening coastal security through active public participation, particularly by the coastal communities".

Taking pride in the recent designation of CISF as the Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, placing it at the core of India’s maritime and port security architecture, Rai said this aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region” for the Indian Ocean, anchored in the theme of 'Secure Coast, Prosperous India'.




The 25-day cyclothon will see two separate CISF teams traversing a total 6,500 km of India's coastline, with one starting from Bakkhali in West Bengal on the east coast and another from Lakhpat in Gujarat on the west coast, before they converge at Kochi, the endpoint, on Feb 22.

The flag-off ceremony was attended, among others, by CISF DG Praveer Ranjan, ITBP DG Shatrujeet Kapur, NIA DG Rakesh Aggarwal, and SSB DG Sanjay Singhal.

The dignitaries also participated in a cycle rally near India Gate, symbolically extending their support to the CISF cyclothon teams.

The CISF cyclothon -- which will halt at 52 coastal villages, to be adopted by the force for a year-long engagement -- 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; and instil the spirit of 'Vande Mataram' by honouring the sacrifices of freedom fighters, martyrs, security personnel and their families. It also seeks to celebrate India’s rich maritime heritage and highlight the invaluable contribution of coastal communities, especially fishermen. The cyclothon's purpose also includes promoting fitness and discipline, particularly among the youth and coastal communities.