CISF Coastal Cyclothon 2026 Flagged Off from Delhi Today
CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon–2026 flagged off from Delhi to cover 6,500 km along India’s coasts.
The CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon–2026 was formally flagged off from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Wednesday, marking the start of a 25-day nationwide campaign. The event, inaugurated by MoS Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, commemorates 150 years of the iconic anthem Vande Mataram and aims to strengthen public awareness about coastal security.
Two CISF cycling teams set out simultaneously from Bakkhali in West Bengal and Lakhpat in Gujarat, covering 6,500 kilometres along India’s eastern and western coastlines. The journey spans nine coastal states and two Union Territories, culminating at Kochi on February 22, 2026. The initiative highlights inter-ministerial and inter-agency cooperation and encourages active citizen participation in national security.
Addressing the gathering, MoS Nityanand Rai stated, “Coastal security can be strengthened only through active public participation, particularly by coastal communities. This Cyclothon embodies the spirit of Vande Mataram, inspiring national service and vigilance.” The flag-off ceremony featured choral singing of the anthem and a CISF Band performance, creating an atmosphere of patriotism.
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CISF Director General highlighted the symbolic importance of the Cyclothon, saying, “The initiative translates the spirit of Vande Mataram into contemporary action by engaging citizens in safeguarding India’s maritime frontiers.” The campaign also reinforces CISF’s role as a Recognised Security Organisation under the ISPS Code, central to India’s port and coastal security framework.
Women empowerment and youth engagement are central to the Cyclothon, with 50 per cent of participants being women, demonstrating a strong push for gender inclusivity. The initiative encourages fitness, discipline, and public awareness, fostering an alert and responsible citizenry aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The Cyclothon will feature interactions with sports, cultural, and film personalities at key coastal cities including Mumbai, Goa, Mangaluru, Konark, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai, before reaching its grand conclusion in Kochi. The event seeks to inspire national pride while promoting active citizen participation in India’s maritime security and heritage.
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