‘Vande Mataram – Secure Coast, Prosperous India’ Cyclothon 2026 Initiative by CISF

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has launched the ‘Vande Mataram – Surakshit Tat, Samriddh Bharat’ Cyclothon 2026 initiative. As part of this programme, two CISF cycling teams simultaneously set off from Bakkhali (West Bengal) and Lakhpat (Gujarat). Together, these teams will cover a distance of about 6,500 kilometres along India’s eastern and western coastlines. The journey will pass through nine coastal states and two Union Territories, culminating in Kochi (Kerala) on February 22, 2026.

In Maharashtra, the cycling teams will travel between February 10 and February 14, with the journey beginning from Juchandra village in Palghar district. The CISF Cyclothon initiative is considered extremely important for creating national awareness and public consciousness.

During this journey, both cycling teams will ride along India’s scenic coastal routes, pass through major port cities, fishing villages, and historic locations, and finally conclude their journey in Kochi. The objective of the CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon 2026 is to traverse the entire Indian coastline, covering nine coastal states and four Union Territories.

Objectives of CISF Coastal Cyclothon 2026

The primary objectives include sensitising coastal communities to threats such as smuggling of narcotics, weapons, and explosives, and encouraging vigilance. The initiative also aims to strengthen participation and coordination between coastal communities and security agencies for a robust coastal security network. It seeks to honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters, martyrs, security personnel, and their families, and to awaken the spirit of Vande Mataram.

Additionally, the Cyclothon aims to create public awareness about India’s rich maritime heritage, traditions, and history, highlight the invaluable contribution of communities—especially fishermen—to the nation’s maritime prosperity, and promote fitness, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle among youth and coastal populations. The initiative underscores the vital role of coastal communities, particularly fishermen, as the nation’s “Coastal Sentinels.”

Community Participation through Village Adoption

A key pillar of this year’s Cyclothon is community participation. During the journey, the Cyclothon will halt at 52 coastal villages, which will be adopted by the CISF. In coordination with key stakeholders such as the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), port authorities, and other maritime agencies, the CISF will undertake community welfare and infrastructure development initiatives, supported through local CISF Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.

With 47 CISF units located along India’s coastline, the force will ensure continuous and long-term engagement with these adopted villages to implement awareness initiatives.

Promoting Social Awareness and Environmental Responsibility among Youth

To encourage youth and citizens to participate in nation-building initiatives, recruitment awareness campaigns, sports activities, and youth interaction programmes will be organised. The youth outreach programme will include awareness drives, cultural programmes, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, tree plantation drives, initiatives against drug abuse and trafficking, and efforts to enhance social awareness, cleanliness, and environmental responsibility in coastal communities. Through these efforts, the importance of social awareness and environmental responsibility will be instilled among the youth.

Women Empowerment and Inclusivity

Youth participation and women empowerment are central to the Cyclothon. Notably, 50 per cent of the participating cyclists are women, marking a significant step toward gender equality and women empowerment in national service initiatives. Through leadership-driven public engagement, the Cyclothon aims to inspire citizens to adopt discipline, physical fitness, and a spirit of national service.

Major Events and Public Participation

Before concluding in Kochi, major events will be held in Mumbai, Goa, Mangaluru, Konark, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai, with participation from prominent personalities from sports, culture, and the film industry. The CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon 2026 reflects the vision of a Developed India by 2047. The initiative conveys a strong message of strengthening coastal security while empowering local communities, and it will certainly help in building alert, fit, and responsible citizens.

Ports along India’s coastline, along with refineries, shipyards, and nuclear power plants, are vital for the nation’s economic development and energy security. However, they face persistent threats such as narcotics, arms and explosives smuggling, infiltration, and other illegal activities. For over five decades, the CISF has been entrusted with the security of 12 major ports and other critical coastal infrastructure. Building on the success of the first CISF Coastal Cyclothon, the 2026 edition is set to be historic, emerging as a people’s movement driven by renewed vision and strong national unity.

More than 200 million people live along India’s coastline and contribute significantly to the national economy through fishing, navigation, tourism, and coastal resources. The Blue Economy represents a sustainable approach to utilising these coastal resources while preserving marine ecosystems.

Through this Cyclothon, the CISF aims to highlight the importance of coastal security, environmental conservation, and the potential of India’s maritime resources.

The Government of India has designated the CISF as a recognised security organisation under international maritime and port security norms. This Cyclothon reflects the commitment to protecting critical coastal installations while ensuring the priority and participation of India’s coastal communities.

The Cyclothon is not merely a sporting event—it is dedicated to India’s coastal communities. It is a call to action for sustainable coastal development, an effort to raise awareness about coastal security, and a demonstration of the spirit of unity that binds India’s diverse nation together.