CISF launches first-ever great Indian coastal cyclothon to promote security and community engagement

MUMBAI: To celebrate its 56th anniversary, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has planned a 25-day cyclothon, spanning both of India's coastlines and covering a distance of 6,553 kilometres. The event, officially known as the "Great Indian Coastal Cyclothon," will be the first such event to be held in India. It will kick off on March 7, with two groups of CISF cyclists, one from the western coast and the other from the eastern coast, travelling towards India’s southern tip where the event will culminate in Kanyakumari.
The event aims to raise awareness about coastal security while promoting community engagement across the country, said Sudhir Kumar,additional director general, CISF, in a press briefing held on Tuesday.
Civilians can also take part in the cyclothon by registering on the CISF website . The website has details about schedules, dates, and when cyclists will arrive in different cities. For instance, cyclists are scheduled to arrive in Mumbai on March 20. “We encourage one and all to join this cyclothon physically by choosing the stretch of their choice. Those unable to join physically can participate virtually and support the initiative,” said Kumar.
Over 25 days, 125 CISF cyclists, including 14 women, will pass through cities such as Surat, Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore, and Kochi on the west, and Haldia, Konark, Paradeep, Vizag, Chennai, and Pondicherry on the east, finally finishing at the Swami Vivekananda Memorial in Kanyakumari. Starting from Kori Creek in Lakhpat, the western route will cover 3,775 kilometres before concluding at Kanyakumari on March 31.
Simultaneously, the eastern route will begin at Bakkhali Beach in West Bengal, covering 2,778 kilometres before also ending at Kanyakumari. Home minister Amit Shah will virtually flag off the western route of the cyclothon from CISF Regional Training Centre at Thakkolam, Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu.
“Throughout the journey, various programs have been planned at major stops including Gandhidham, Surat, Gateway of India in Mumbai, Mormugao Port in Goa, Mangalore, Kannur, and Cochin on the western route. The eastern route will feature events at Bakkhali Sea Beach, Konark, RK Beach in Vizag, Chennai, and Pondicherry,” he said.
"CISF is not just covering miles; we're touching hearts and uniting people across our diverse nation," stated a CISF official. "Every pedal stroke is a promise to protect our country and build a safer, stronger, and more united India for the future."
“The cyclothon extends beyond athletics, serving as a movement to increase awareness about coastal security and combat smuggling and other illegal activities. Participants will engage with local fishing communities, participate in environmental initiatives like Swachh Bharat drives and tree plantations, and join efforts against drug abuse and human trafficking,” said Kumar. “The local community plays a vital role in ensuring the security of the region, getting feedback from the communities is critical. The cyclothon will spread awareness of the role that civilians can play in protecting a region,” he added.
A common control room has been established in Mumbai to enhance coordination. Interested parties can contact them at (022) 27762015 or via email at [email protected]. The cyclothon will conclude with a grand finale at Vivekananda Kendra in Kanyakumari, featuring performances by the CISF Band, patriotic dramas, demonstrations, and various other activities.