CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon Reaches Chennai, Public Gives Enthusiastic Welcome
Chennai:
Port Wings News Network:
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon–2026, a 6,553-kilometre national coastal outreach initiative, reached Chennai on 13 February and was received with enthusiastic public participation at Marina Beach.
The Cyclothon, flagged off virtually on 28 January 2026 by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai from New Delhi, is being conducted simultaneously along the eastern and western coastlines of India under the theme “Surakshit Tat, Samriddh Bharat” (Secure Coast, Prosperous India).
The 25-day national movement covers nine States and two Union Territories and brings together 130 CISF personnel, including 65 women cyclists.
The initiative is part of the commemoration of 150 years of Vande Mataram and aims to translate its spirit of national unity and collective responsibility into contemporary action through coastal awareness and public engagement.
Since commencing its eastern leg from Bakkhali in West Bengal, the Cyclothon has traversed coastal districts of West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh before entering Tamil Nadu. During the journey, the teams halted at several coastal villages and towns including Digha, Chandipur, Paradip, Konark, Puri, Gopalpur, Sompeta, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, Machilipatnam, Nellore and Thiruvottiyur Kuppam.
At each location, the Cyclothon facilitated direct interaction with fishermen communities, panchayat representatives, students, NCC cadets and local youth groups. Open dialogues were organised to discuss coastal security, Blue Economy opportunities, anti-narcotics awareness, and government welfare schemes. Fishermen communities were sensitised about their critical role as “Tat Praharis” (Sentinels of the Coast) and as key partners in maritime vigilance.
Cultural programmes featuring local folk traditions, patriotic performances by school children, and participation of NCC cadets marked several halts. Sports activities including volleyball and fitness demonstrations were organised to promote discipline and healthy lifestyles among youth. Sports items were distributed in select villages to encourage participation in structured sporting activities.
Coastal Security and Blue Economy Awareness
India’s coastline extends over 7,500 kilometres and supports significant economic activity, with nearly 95 percent of the country’s trade by volume moving through maritime routes. The Cyclothon highlights the importance of safeguarding coastal infrastructure, fishing communities and port ecosystems to ensure uninterrupted economic growth and national resilience.
CISF, which protects all 12 major ports in the country, has been designated as the Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Through this initiative, CISF is reinforcing public awareness regarding maritime threats such as smuggling, infiltration and narcotics trafficking, and encouraging timely reporting of suspicious activities through designated maritime helplines like 1554 of the Indian Coast Guard.
Environmental and Social Initiatives
The Cyclothon also integrates environmental stewardship and social responsibility into its outreach. Beach cleanliness drives, plantation campaigns, and awareness sessions on drug abuse and cyber security were conducted in coordination with local authorities and community groups. Short awareness films were screened in villages, and the initiative has received extensive media coverage across coastal States.
Under its sustained engagement plan, CISF has identified 52 coastal villages along the route for continued interaction through its 47 coastal units. In coordination with stakeholders including port authorities and public sector undertakings, community-focused activities such as sports promotion, recruitment awareness and CSR-supported infrastructure development will be undertaken in co-ordination with its stake holders like ONGC and Ports Authority.
The arrival in Chennai marks a significant milestone in the eastern coast leg of the Cyclothon. As a major maritime and economic hub, Chennai underscores the strategic importance of coastal security in supporting trade, fisheries and port-led development. The CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon–2026 continues to build community partnership, promote national unity, and reinforce the message that secure coasts are essential for a prosperous and resilient India.
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