The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) successfully concluded its historic initiative, “The Great Indian Coastal Cyclothon” 2025, at the Swami Vivekananda Memorial in Kanyakumari, marking a significant achievement in its efforts to strengthen coastal security and deepen its connection with coastal communities. The event, which began on 07 March, spanned an impressive 6,553 kilometers across 11 states and Union Territories, highlighting the vital role of coastal security and community participation in safeguarding India’s maritime borders.
The 25-day Cyclothon, which saw the active participation of 125 dedicated CISF cyclists, including 14 women personnel, concluded with a grand reception in Kanyakumari. Over 1,200 additional participants joined the ride at various stages, underscoring the public’s strong support for the initiative. The event, virtually flagged off by Minister of Home and Cooperation Amit Shah, from the Rajaditya Chola Regional Training Centre in Tamil Nadu, received immense public enthusiasm as it traversed key coastal cities and landmarks including Paradip Port, Konark Sun Temple, Gateway of India in Mumbai, Vizag, Chennai, Kochi, and Puducherry.
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One of the core objectives of the event was to engage and empower coastal communities, who have long been the unsung guardians of India’s coastline. The initiative acknowledged these communities as “Tat Praharis” (Coastal Sentinels), recognizing their essential role in protecting the nation’s coastal security. The event also aimed to raise awareness about security threats such as smuggling, intrusion, and the critical need for environmental conservation along India’s ecologically sensitive coastlines.
The Cyclothon served as an important platform for fostering collaboration between the CISF, other security agencies, and coastal communities. It facilitated numerous interactions between the force and local residents, generating meaningful dialogue on coastal security issues and enhancing cooperation for a more robust and effective security framework. The event also aimed to bridge the gap between inland and coastal populations, highlighting the rich cultural heritage, unique traditions, and diverse flora and fauna of coastal India.
Throughout its journey, the Cyclothon featured 26 major events and 118 local interactions where thousands of people gathered to show their support for the cause. Public participation was overwhelming, with more than 30 lakh individuals actively taking part in rallies, events, and awareness campaigns. The message of the Cyclothon reached an astounding 2.5 crore people through both direct engagement and online platforms. These interactions provided invaluable insights into the security concerns of coastal communities, which will contribute to the formulation of more targeted and effective security strategies in the future.
The event also garnered widespread attention and support from prominent figures in sports and entertainment, adding to its credibility and widespread appeal. Legendary cricketers such as M.S. Dhoni, Sunil Gavaskar, and Krishnamachari Srikant, Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra, shooter Manu Bhaker, and actors like Rajnikanth, Akshay Kumar, and Mohanlal extended their support for the initiative. Political figures, including Lt Governor Kuniyil Kailashnathan of Puducherry, Chief Minister N. Rangaswami, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, and others, lent their voices to the cause, further elevating the Cyclothon’s significance.
The success of the Cyclothon stands as a testament to the collective efforts of the CISF, government agencies, and coastal communities, illustrating the crucial role that public engagement played in national security. Director General of CISF, Rajwinder Singh Bhatti, who was the Chief Guest at the concluding ceremony, highlighted the significance of the event in fostering collaboration and enhancing coastal security. The event’s focus on coastal security, community empowerment, and environmental preservation set the stage for future initiatives aimed at building a safer and more prosperous India.
