Introduction:

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) undertook a special initiative on the occasion of its 56th Raising Day celebration. As part of this initiative, the CISF organized “The Great Indian Coastal Cyclothon” 2025, a landmark endeavor themed "Surakshit Tat, Samriddh Bharat" (Secure Coast, Prosperous India). The Cyclothon was virtually flagged off by Hon'ble Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, on March 7th, 2025, from the Rajaditya Regional Training Centre, Thakkolam, Tamil Nadu, setting the stage for this ambitious endeavor. In this Mega Cycle Rally, two cycling teams commenced simultaneously from the eastern and western coasts of India. 125 dedicated CISF cyclists, including 14 women personnel, undertook the arduous journey, covering the 6,553 km distance across 11 states and Union Territories in 25 days. Furthermore, over 1,100 participants registered to join the Cyclothon at various stages, highlighting the strong public support for the initiative.

After, covering the long coastline of the Indian mainland, this rally culminated at Kanyakumari on 31st March 2025, as per it's planned schedule. According to the available information, this is ‘first-of-its-kind’ Cyclothon, which has traversed the complete length of India's mainland coastline, covering a remarkable 6,553 kilometers.

This initiative reflects CISF's continued commitment to the security of India's extensive coastline, which is home to more than 250 ports, including 72 major ports that handles 95% of the country's trade by volume and 70% by value. With 135 establishments related to space, defence, atomic energy, petroleum and shipping located along India's maritime border, the security of our coasts is crucial for India's economy and energy security. However, our coastlines face serious national security challenges, such as the threat of infiltration of explosives, weapons, drugs, and other smuggled goods.

For more than five decades, the CISF has been entrusted with the responsibility of securing these ports and other critical installations located along the coastline, such as refineries, shipyards, and nuclear power plants. This cyclothon was an effort to raise awareness about the threats to coastal security and to further strengthen CISF's partnership with local communities in ensuring the security of the national maritime borders.

The Cyclothon received unwavering support from Local communities, CISF personnel across various units, as well as crucial collaboration from other agencies. Grand receptions and flag-off ceremonies were organized at major coastal cities and significant landmarks, including Paradip Port, Konark Sun Temple, Gateway of India (Mumbai), Vizag, Mangalore, and Chennai, which saw local people and eminent personalities coming out in large numbers to support and further amplify the Cyclothon's message.

Selection, training and practice session for the cyclists :

CISF Cyclists of this Great Indian Coastal Cyclothon have spent a whole month training hard, building stamina, learning about nutrition, and preparing to ride safely over long distances.

Recognizing the demanding nature of a cycling expedition spanning 120 to 180 Kilometers daily, a stringent selection process was implemented to identify officers and personnel possessing exceptional body fitness and agility. Candidates underwent a comprehensive evaluation, including:

(i) Initial Screening:

⮚ A detailed medical assessment to ensure cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal integrity and overall physical suitability for prolonged endurance activities.

⮚ A preliminary fitness assessment to evaluate baseline strength, flexibility and aerobic capacity.

(ii) Endurance and Physical Fitness Tests:

⮚ Conducted at our Training Centre, these tests were designed to simulate the challenges of the expedition.

⮚ Tests included:

▪ Timed long-distance runs to assess cardiovascular endurance.

▪ Strength and flexibility exercises focusing on core stability, leg strength, and upper body endurance, crucial for sustained cycling.

▪ Agility drills to evaluate responsiveness and bike handling skills.

(iii) Intensive Physical Training at RTC Barwaha:

⮚ CISF Regional Training Centre, Barwaha (MP), stands as a premier institution renowned for its specialized training programs, particularly in commando operations and advanced endurance development. Dedicated training periods  were organized at  RTC Barwaha focused on building the necessary physical resilience.

⮚ Training regimen included:

▪ Progressive long-distance cycling sessions, gradually increasing mileage to build endurance.

▪ Hill climb training to enhance leg strength and cardiovascular capacity.

▪ Interval training to improve speed and efficiency.

▪ Cross-training activities such as swimming and strength training to prevent overuse injuries and develop well-rounded fitness.

▪ Nutrition and hydration education, to ensure optimal performance.

▪ Recovery strategies, and injury prevention.

(iv) Orientation and Practice at Bhuj Airport:

⮚ A four-day orientation at Bhuj Airport provided practical experience in real-world conditions.

⮚ Activities included:

▪ Navigation and route planning exercises.

▪ Bike maintenance and repair workshops.

▪ Group riding drills to develop teamwork and communication skills.

▪ Practice riding in varying weather conditions.

▪ Emergency procedures training.

This rigorous preparation ensured that the selected officers and personnel were not only physically capable of completing the expedition but also mentally prepared to overcome the challenges inherent in such a demanding responsibility.

The Key Objectives of the Cyclothon:

● The Cyclothon aimed to elevate public awareness concerning the diverse threats confronting India's coastline, including the illicit activities of smuggling (encompassing drugs, weapons, and explosives), the necessity of vigilance against intrusion, and the critical importance of environmental conservation in these ecologically sensitive zones.

● A central tenet of this endeavour was to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contributions of local residents as "Tat Praharis" (Coastal Sentinels). The initiative sought to empower these communities, recognizing their vital role as the eyes and ears of security forces in safeguarding the nation's maritime interests.

● The Cyclothon has facilitated strengthened communication and collaboration between the CISF, other security agencies, and coastal communities. These interactions have fostered a spirit of partnership and shared responsibility, crucial for building a robust and resilient coastal security framework.

● Beyond its security focus, the Cyclothon also aimed to connect inland communities with India's captivating coast. It was a chance to highlight the lively coastal communities, their diverse flora and fauna and the unique cultural traditions that make up India's coastal identity.

Key Achievements: A Testament to Collective Effort and National Significance

Unprecedented Public Engagement: The Cyclothon achieved a truly remarkable level of public engagement, demonstrating its widespread appeal and the resonance of its message. About 30 lakh individuals physically participated in rallies, events, and awareness campaigns organized along the route, while the Cyclothon's message reached an astoundingly large audience of about 2.5 Crore people through various online and social media platforms.

Extensive Participation and Coverage: The Cyclothon's journey was marked by significant events and interactions, including 26 major events and 118 local interactions, where people turned out in significant numbers and showered their warmth and support. Ideas and views were exchanged through discussion centered around coastal security and the challenges of coastal life. Various cultural events were organised with the help of local participation, which showcased the region’s unique songs, dances, martial arts, traditional attire, and cultural practices.

Heightened Awareness and Community Engagement: The Cyclothon has been instrumental in significantly raising awareness about the multifaceted challenges of coastal security and the paramount importance of active community participation in addressing these challenges. By engaging directly with coastal communities, the CISF has fostered a deeper understanding of their concerns and perspectives, paving the way for more effective and community-centric security strategies.

Valuable Insights for Future Strategies: The event has provided invaluable insights into the specific challenges and vulnerabilities faced by different coastal regions. The dynamic record-keeping of issues and challenges faced by coastal communities, as directed by the Hon’ble Home Minister, will contribute to the development of more targeted and effective security strategies and initiatives.

Endorsement by Eminent Personalities: The Cyclothon garnered significant attention and support from a wide array of eminent personalities of various fields, lending further credence to its importance.

* Dignitaries such as Puducherry Lt Governor Honble Sh Kuniyil Kailashnathan, Puducherry Chief Minister Sh N. Rangaswamy, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida, Arjuna Awardee Pramod Bhagat, Indian Hockey Veteran Mir Ranjan Negi, Raja Shri Shivendra Narayan Bhanj Deo (King of Kanishka), Padma Shri Sand Artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, Public representatives graced the events and lent their support.

Sports legends namely Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, MS Dhoni, Sunil Gavaskar, Krishnamachari Srikkanth supported the event.

Film stars namely Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Manju Warrier, and others, extended their support, inspiring countless individuals to join the cause of coastal security.

The grand finale at Kanyakumari, held at the Swami Vivekananda Memorial, served as a powerful symbol of national unity and collective resolve. This momentous occasion not only marked the successful completion of the Cyclothon but also signified the beginning of a new era of enhanced vigilance and collaboration in safeguarding India’s coasts and ensuring a secure and prosperous future for the nation.

(Release ID: 2118792) Visitor Counter : 17