Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah will flag-off the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) coastal Cyclothon 'Surakshit Tat, Samridh Bharat' Safe Coasts, Prosperous India virtually from the Rajaditya Cholan Regional Training Centre in Thakkolam, Ranipet district during the 56th Raising Day celebrations on March 7, 2025.
During a press conference held in connection with this event, CISF's South Sector Headquarters, Inspector General Shri S. R. Saravanan stated: "The Cyclothon is being organized to create awareness about smuggling of drugs, arms, and explosives, and to strengthen national security in the coastal areas. A total of 125 CISF cyclists, including 14 strong women, will participate in this journey in two groups.
One group of cyclists will start from Lakhpat in Gujarat and will reach Kanyakumari on the 31st March, traveling through Surat, Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore, and Kochi. The other group will start from Bakkhali in West Bengal and will travel along the entire East Coast, reaching Kanyakumari by traveling through Haldia, Konark, Paradeep, Vizag, Chennai, and Puducherry.
The cyclists will cover a distance of 3,775 km along the Western Coast and 2,778 km along the Eastern Coast. The cyclists were selected after undergoing fitness training and mental health assessments. During this journey, the cyclists will participate in several key events, including cultural programs, community talks, traditional dances, cleanliness drives, and tree-planting activities. They will also engage in discussions with local fishermen in the coastal areas they visit.
The cyclists are expected to reach the Tamil Nadu coast on March 23 and will participate in events in Chennai featuring Bharatanatyam, Bhangra, and other folk dances, patriotic dramas, and musical performances. CISF personnel will also participate in adventure activities.
A total of 6,553 km will be covered by the cyclists across the Western and Eastern Coasts. Cyclists reaching Kanyakumari on the 31st will receive a grand welcome at the Vivekananda Memorial.
South Zone DIG Smt. R. Ponni and DIG of the Aviation Security Group Shri Arun Singh were also addressed the press conference.