CISF Launches Major Coastal Cycling Expedition to Enhance Security Awareness
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is set to kick off the "Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon" on January 28. This ambitious event involves a 25-day cycling journey covering 6,553 kilometers along India's mainland coastline. The expedition includes planned stops for community outreach activities aimed at boosting coastal security awareness, fostering national unity, and encouraging public participation.
Dual Teams to Traverse Coastlines
Two separate teams of CISF cyclists will start simultaneously from different points. One team begins at Lakhpat Fort in Kachchh, Gujarat on the western coast. The other team starts from Bakkhali in West Bengal on the eastern coast. Both groups will travel southward along their respective coastlines. They are scheduled to converge at Kochi on February 22, according to Padmakar Ranipse, additional director general (south) of CISF.
Significant Increase in Women Participants
This year's cyclothon sees a notable rise in female participation. Mamta Rahul, deputy inspector general (western zone) of CISF, highlighted that 130 CISF personnel are taking part. Among them, 65 cyclists are women, representing 50 percent of the participants. This marks a substantial increase from last year's edition, where women comprised only 10 percent of the cyclists. The high female involvement is particularly significant given that women make up just 10 percent of the total CISF workforce.
Objectives of the Coastal Cyclothon
The cyclothon serves multiple important purposes. It aims to sensitize coastal communities about various security threats. These threats include smuggling of drugs, arms, and explosives. The event also seeks to strengthen cooperation between citizens and security agencies. Additionally, it highlights India's rich maritime heritage and the crucial role of coastal communities, especially fishermen, in safeguarding the shoreline.
During the journey, teams will halt overnight in selected coastal villages. They will conduct smaller engagements such as community interactions, cleanliness drives, plantation campaigns, and awareness programs on drug abuse and human trafficking. The cyclothon promotes fitness, discipline, and healthy lifestyles, particularly among youth and coastal residents.
Rigorous Preparation for the Expedition
Cyclists have undergone over a month of intensive training to prepare for this demanding journey. Their training covered endurance building, nutrition management, long-distance riding techniques, safety protocols, and bicycle maintenance. Professional cyclists were engaged to fine-tune performance and ensure high safety standards throughout the expedition.
Mumbai Segment Details
The cycling teams will reach the Mumbai region on the night of February 10. The following morning, the group will cycle from Vasai to the Gateway of India. This segment is open to all interested cyclists, who can register on the CISF website and join for any duration.
February 11 Route from Vasai to Gateway of India:
- Start: Naigaon East / Vasai–Virar at 05:30 am
- Via Western Express Highway (WEH)
- Western suburbs (WEH): Kashimira → Dahisar East → Borivali East (Sanjay Gandhi National Park) → Goregaon East
- Hydration break: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Smarak, Navpada (39 km | 07:15–07:45 am)
- Bandra–Dadar stretch: Bandra East via Kalanagar Flyover / BKC Road, Mahim via L.J. Road, Shivaji Park via Veer Savarkar Marg
- Prabhadevi–Worli: Siddhivinayak Temple via S.K. Bole Road, Worli, Nehru Planetarium via Dr Annie Besant Road
- South Mumbai: Haji Ali to Marine Lines via Pedder Road
- Final stretch: Marine Drive (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road), Mantralaya via Madam Cama Road
- Finish: Gateway of India at 10:00 am
