The city of Chennai is abuzz as it welcomes the CISF Coastal Cyclothon 2025, a monumental campaign that has captivated the nation. Covering a staggering 6,553 kilometers along India’s coastline, the Cyclothon reached Chennai, marking a key milestone in its journey.
Notable figures like former Indian cricket captains M.S. Dhoni and K. Srikanth, Olympian Shiny Wilson, actor Parthiban, Aiswarya Rajesh, Sunil Paliwal IAS, and Sahebjada Mohammed Ali graced the occasion, celebrating this historic achievement.
The Cyclothon will now head to Mangaluru and Kochi before culminating in a grand finale at Kanyakumari on Monday. So far, the expedition has covered approximately 4,793 kilometers, engaging over 20 lakh people in person and reaching over 80 lakh through social media, showcasing the immense public support for this initiative.
More than just an endurance challenge, the CISF Coastal Cyclothon 2025 is a movement focused on raising awareness about coastal security and empowering local communities. The CISF has prioritized public engagement throughout the journey, hosting events in collaboration with local communities to foster trust, vigilance, and cooperation between coastal residents and security forces.
The Cyclothon has passed through villages, towns, and cities across seven states and Union Territories. Two teams were deployed—one covering the east coast, now in Tamil Nadu, and the other the west coast, currently in Karnataka. At each stop, the cycling teams interacted with locals in schools, colleges, hospitals, and fishermen’s associations, encouraging them to become “Tat Prahari” (coastal sentinels) and assist in safeguarding India’s coastline.
Communities have responded enthusiastically, recognizing the CISF’s vital role in protecting the nation’s economic and strategic assets. Cultural events along the route have added vibrancy to the initiative, with local youth and schoolchildren joining the cyclists to express solidarity with the cause.
The final leg of the journey will take the Cyclothon through Kerala and Puducherry, continuing its message of unity, awareness, and preparedness. Both teams will converge at Kanyakumari on March 31 to mark the successful conclusion of this epic mission.
Prominent personalities across sports, cinema, and public life have voiced their support for the initiative. Endorsements have come from Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, cricketers Sunil Gavaskar, Suresh Raina, and Harbhajan Singh, cinema legends Rajnikanth, Mohanlal, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, and many more.
The CISF Coastal Cyclothon 2025 stands as a nationwide call to action, urging communities to remain vigilant and united in safeguarding India’s coastlines.
(With IANS inputs)
