The ‘Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon’, a nationwide coastal expedition organized by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to promote coastal security, national unity and public participation, will cover Kozhikode, Kannur and Malappuram districts on Friday (February 20, 2026) as part of its 25-day journey along India’s east coast and west coast.
Covering a total distance of 6,553 km, the cyclothon will be undertaken by about 120 participants, including 65 cyclists and other CISF personnel, divided into two teams crossing the east and west coasts. Both the teams are scheduled to arrive in Kochi on Sunday (February 22, 2026) where the expedition will conclude with a closing ceremony.
The West Coast team will arrive at Muzhappilangad Beach in Kannur at 7.30am on Friday. The team will then proceed to the Calicut International Airport where the members will be given a formal reception and flag hoisting ceremony.
After the flag off, the cyclists will cover nearly 30 km to reach the Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village at Iringal near Vadakara by 9 am. At Sargaalaya, the team will interact with fishermen, representatives of Coastal Development Committees, NCC cadets and children, underscoring the cyclothon’s focus on community engagement and coastal awareness.
According to CISF officers, the team will then proceed to the Government Fisheries Technical College, Tanur, Malappuram, where a reception was arranged. Cyclists will interact with students and members of the fishing community. As part of the educational activities, a friendly football match between the team and the students of the school is also planned.
At 5 pm, the team will reach the Thunchan Memorial Research Center in Tirur. There will be a reception and a cultural program with performances by students, NCC cadets and CISF personnel from the Calicut airport. Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman; Shankara Rao Byreddy, Commandant, CISF, Calicut Airport; Kurukoli Moideen, MLA; and representatives of the municipality of Tirur will perform at the event.
On Saturday, Malappuram District Collector VR Vinod will sign off the team as they head back to Kochi, where the cyclothon will culminate on Sunday. CISF officers said the program received warm participation and appreciation from all regions.
Published – 19 Feb 2026 20:02 IST