**Executive Summary**
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon-2026, a 6,553-kilometre nationwide outreach initiative, reached Goa on February 15, 2026. Flagged off on January 28, 2026, the 25-day Cyclothon will culminate in Kochi on February 22, 2026. The initiative, conducted under the theme “Surakshit Tat, Samriddh Bharat,” involves 130 CISF personnel.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Cyclothon Overview:**
* The Cyclothon is a 6,553-kilometre coastal journey along India's eastern and western shorelines.
* It was flagged off on January 28, 2026, from New Delhi.
* The initiative will culminate in Kochi on February 22, 2026.
* **Purpose & Participation:**
* The Cyclothon brings together 130 CISF personnel, including 65 women cyclists.
* It commemorates the 150th year of the National Song "Vande Mataram."
* It is a structured national outreach mission aimed at strengthening trust and building a resilient maritime security ecosystem.
* **Activities & Engagement:**
* The arrival in Goa was marked by celebrations and community participation in various locations.
* The CISF team interacted with fishermen communities, Panchayat heads, and local representatives.
* Cyclists stayed overnight in villages and interacted with residents to discuss livelihood challenges, environmental concerns, drug trafficking, and coastal vigilance.
* **Partnerships:**
* The initiative is conducted in partnership with the Ministries of Culture, Sports, and Information & Broadcasting.
**Impact Analysis**
**CISF Personnel**
* **Impact:** Involved in a nationwide outreach program to promote coastal security awareness and community engagement.
* **Action Required:** Participate in the Cyclothon, engage with local communities, and conduct surveys in coastal villages.
**Coastal Communities (Fishermen, Residents, Local Institutions)**
* **Impact:** Direct engagement and awareness about livelihood challenges, environmental concerns, drug trafficking, and the importance of coastal vigilance.
* **Action Required:** Participate in interactive sessions, provide feedback on local issues, and support coastal security initiatives.
**Ministries of Culture, Sports, and Information & Broadcasting**
* **Impact:** Collaborative partnership in promoting a national outreach mission focused on coastal security.
* **Action Required:** Support the Cyclothon through resources and coordination, and promote the initiative through their respective channels.
Key Entities Referenced
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): The primary agency organizing and conducting the outreach initiative.
Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon–2026: A 6,553-kilometre coastal outreach initiative involving a cycle journey along India's eastern and western shorelines.
Goa: Location where the Cyclothon received an enthusiastic welcome, marking a milestone in the western coastal leg.
Ministry of Home Affairs: The ministry under which the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) operates.
Ministry of Home Affairs
CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon–2026
receives enthusiastic welcome in Goa
Posted On: 15 FEB 2026 5:58PM by PIB Mumbai
Panaji, Goa, 15 February 2026
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon–2026 reached Goa today,
February 15, to an enthusiastic public reception, marking a significant milestone in the western coastal leg
of the nationwide outreach initiative.
The Cyclothon, a 6,553-kilometre coastal journey along India’s eastern and western shorelines, was
flagged off virtually on 28 January 2026 by the Hon’ble Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri
Nityanand Rai from New Delhi. The 25-day initiative, which is being conducted simultaneously along the
eastern and western coastlines of India under the theme “Surakshit Tat, Samriddh Bharat” (Secure Coast,
Prosperous India), brings together 130 CISF personnel, including 65 women cyclists, and commemorates
the 150th year of the National Song “Vande Mataram.”
Talking about the entry of the team to Goa, Shri Vijay Prakash, the Additional Director General (HQ),
CISF, said that the overwhelming response reflects a growing public understanding that coastal security is
not the sole responsibility of a security agency but a shared national commitment. “By engaging directly
with fishermen, youth and local institutions, CISF is strengthening trust and building a resilient maritime
security ecosystem that supports India’s economic growth,” he said.
The arrival of the Cyclothon in Goa was met with vibrant celebrations and strong community participation
at Panaji, Vasco da Gama, Betim, Calangute and Baga. Traditional Goan folk performances, youth rallies
and interactive sessions with school students marked the welcoming events, reflecting widespread public
engagement. The CISF team also held interactions with fishermen communities, Panchayat heads and
local representatives.
The Cyclothon has been designed as a structured national outreach mission rather than merely a sporting
expedition. Over the past weeks, teams have traversed multiple coastal districts, halting in selected coastal
villages identified through prior surveys conducted by CISF’s coastal units. During these engagements,
cyclists have stayed overnight in villages and interacted closely with residents to discuss livelihood
challenges, environmental concerns, the menace of drug trafficking and the importance of coastal
vigilance.
Conducted in partnership with the Ministries of Culture, Sports, and Information & Broadcasting, the
Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon–2026 will culminate at Kochi on 22 February 2026.***
PIB Panaji/Ambadas Yadav/Parshuram Kor
Follow us on social media: @PIBPanaji /PIBPanaji /pibpanaji pibgoa[at]gmail[dot]com /PIBPanaji
/pibpanaji
(Release ID: 2228434) Visitor Counter : 39
Read this release in: Marathi