CISF announces 'Coastal Cyclothon' to mark its 56th Raising Day

The Central Industrial Security Force CISF on Tuesday announced Coastal Cyclothon a firstofitskind cycling expedition to mark its 56th Raising DayAn official statement said that the CISF will launch a cycling rally titled Surakshit Tat Samridh Bharat Safe Coasts Prosperous India which will span the entire 6553kilometer coastline of the country to mark its 56th Raising DayThe rally aims to raise awareness about coastal security and highlight the role these regions play in safeguarding Indiarsquos economic prosperity it saidIt further said that the journey will be conducted simultaneously by two teams of cyclists One team will start from the western coast at Lakhpat Fort in Kutch district of Gujarat while the other will begin from Bakkhali in South 24 Parganas of West Bengal on the eastern coast After 25 days of traversing Indiarsquos coastal roads the two teams will converge at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu on March 31The CISF statement said that the ambitious expedition is not merely a display of physical endurance it is a powerful statement about the CISFs commitment to coastal security and its crucial role in safeguarding Indias economic prosperity Indias extensive coastline home to over 250 ports including 72 major ones handles 95 per cent of the nations trade by volume and majority of its oil imports These ports are critical gateways for trade and house vital infrastructure including refineries shipyards and nuclear power plants making their security paramountIt said that the Coastal Cyclothon aims toeducate citizens about potential threats like smuggling of drugs weapons and explosives and encourage vigilance and foster better coordination between local communities and security agencies for a more robust security networkIt further said that the initiative also aims to Inspire national pride and highlight the sacrifices made by freedom fighters security personnel and their families The rally will serve as a platform to educate people about Indias diverse maritime traditions history and geography promoting greater appreciation for our coastal communities and their contributions to the nationIt said that a total of 125 CISF personnel including 14 courageous women will participate in this endeavor symbolizing a balanced representation of strength and resilience All participants have undergone a month of intensive training tailored to the demands of longdistance cycling focusing on nutrition endurance and safetyThe Cyclists have engaged in preparatory sessions with professional cyclists to finetune their skills in longdistance cycling dynamics including bike maintenance posture optimisation and efficient pedaling techniquesThe Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation will virtually flag off this remarkable event on March 7 2025 The event is expected to draw national attention as it underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness in maintaining national security along the vulnerable coastal areas it said