CISF's “Great Indian Coastal Cyclothon” Concludes at Kanyakumari: A Show of Inclusivity and Strategic Success

CISF on 31st March announced triumphant conclusion of its Mega Event – “The Great Indian Coastal Cyclothon” 2025, a landmark initiative themed "Surakshit Tat, Samriddh Bharat" (Secure Coast, Prosperous India). Director General, CISF was the chief guest at the final function held at the iconic Swami Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari. A huge crowd of locals cheered the CISF cyclists. The grand finale at Kanyakumari was held at the Swami Vivekananda Kendra. 

The Beginning 

The spiritually awakening shadow of Vivekanand Rock Memorial and statue of Tamil Saint and philosopher Thiruvalluvar served as a powerful symbol of national unity and 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.

The Cyclothon was flagged off virtually by Hon'ble Union Minister of Home and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, on March 7th, 2025, from the Rajaditya Cholan CISF Regional Training Centre, Thakkolam, Ranipet District, Tamil Nadu, setting the stage for this ambitious endeavour. 125 dedicated CISF cyclists, including 14 women personnel, undertook the arduous journey, covering the 6,553km distance across 11 states and Union Territories in 25 days. Furthermore, over 1,200 participants joined the Cyclothon at various stages, highlighting the strong public support for the initiative.

Dual Objectives 

A central tenet of this endeavour was to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contributions of coastal residents as "Tat Praharis" (Sentinels of the coast). 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 made the coastal communities aware of the security 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.

The Cyclothon has further 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.

Inclusivity and Strategic Success

Unprecedented Public Engagement: The Cyclothon achieved a truly remarkable level of public engagement, demonstrating its widespread appeal and the resonance of its message. Over thirty lakh people actively participated in rallies, events, and awareness campaigns organized along the route, while the Cyclothon's message reached an astoundingly large audience of over 2.5 crore people through physical interactions as well as various online and social media platforms.  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. Notbaly, many eminent personalities and film stars extended their support. The initative also ensured costal security by ensuring  invaluable insights into the specific challenges and vulnerabilities faced by different coastal regions which will be a source of guidance in strengthening coastal security.