Karnataka government has launched Maralu Mitra app for online sand booking, and it is now live on Google Play Store with over 5,000 downloads. People can buy sand using their smartphones, much like ordering groceries or clothes online. Department of Mines and Geology runs this system along with Karnataka State Minerals Corporation Limited (KSMCL) and Hutti Gold Mines Company Limited (HGML).
Booking sand through Maralu Mitra app costs nothing, and the sand itself works out much cheaper than the open market. State government has fixed a maximum rate of ₹1,500 per tonne, while the open market rate has stayed close to ₹3,250 to ₹3,500 per tonne.
Maralu Mitra app lets buyers book sand online, pay digitally, and get it delivered at their doorstep. Order status can be tracked inside the app right up to delivery.
Karnataka Maralu Mitra App Download
Maralu Mitra app is available for Android phones on Google Play Store. Search for "Maralu Mitra" on the Play Store, or use the direct link at play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wizlite.maralumitra.app to install it. Wizlite Innovation Center built the app for Karnataka government, and the official sand booking portal is sand.karnataka.gov.in.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| App Name | Maralu Mitra (Sand Booking App) |
| Launched By | Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Karnataka |
| Managed By | KSMCL and Hutti Gold Mines Company Limited (HGML) |
| Beneficiaries | People of Karnataka needing sand for construction |
| Maximum Price | ₹1,500 per tonne |
| Application Mode | Online, through Maralu Mitra mobile app |
| Official Website | sand.karnataka.gov.in |
Sand Booking and Buying through Maralu Mitra App
After opening Maralu Mitra app, buyers can book sand online and pick where it should be delivered. Buyer has to give the following details for booking and buying sand through the app:
- Name
- E-mail ID
- Postal address
- Quantity of sand needed
- Sand quality, that is coarse, medium or fine
- Type of sand, river sand or M-sand
Once these details are entered, the app shows the nearest place where sand is available. Transport cost gets worked out online based on the distance between the sand source and delivery place, and buyers can now choose to pay this transport cost at the time of delivery instead of upfront.
Status of Sand Booking in Karnataka
Once a sand booking order is placed, buyers can track it right up to delivery. Order placing, shipment and delivery details all stay visible inside Maralu Mitra app. This model was first tried out in Udupi district in FY 2019, and it now runs across the state.
Upgrades to Maralu Mitra Mobile App
Karnataka government keeps adding features to Maralu Mitra app. A recent update added the option to pay transport cost at delivery instead of paying it upfront. State government is also working on showing the exact block from where sand is extracted, and on getting transporter associations registered on the app so transport cost and pickup location are known in advance. This online process is meant to bring more accountability and clarity to sand distribution, and to check illegal sand mining in the state.
Features of Maralu Mitra App
Maralu Mitra app stays connected to the GPS of sand transporting trucks through geo-tagging and geo-fencing, which checks black market sale of sand. Karnataka's sand policy was framed so sand supply matches demand without complications, and people do not face high prices or shortage. Traditional sand extraction methods are still allowed in coastal areas under this policy.
UDUPI E-SAND (VEHICLE) App
This app is only for vehicles. For public, to book sand, use https://www.udupiesand.com. Vehicle owner application helps manage orders by the driver, and connects with the sand supplier and consumer. District Sand Monitoring Committee runs this application. Direct link to download UDUPI E-Sand (Vehicle) App is https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.udupi.vehicleowner
The page to download UDUPI E Sand Vehicle App will appear as shown below:
Salient Features of UDUPI E Sand App for Vehicles
- Check incoming delivery requests
- Filter results to get delivery requests of a particular area, village or hobli
- Get notified with a buzzer showing new order details on every new order
- Choose to accept or reject a delivery
- Get directions to sand storage location and customer location with easy navigation from Google Maps
- Check list of completed orders and order history
Delivery Process
Accepting Delivery
- Check list of order requests
- Select an order to view details
- Click on "Accept" to provide delivery
- Delivery accepted
Collecting Sand
- Go to sand storage location
- Click on "Collect Sand"
- Give OTP to permit holder
- Sand collected
Delivering Sand
- Go to customer's location
- Click on "Reached Destination"
- Enter OTP given by customer
- Sand delivered
UDUPI E-SAND (PERMIT HOLDER) App
UDUPI E-SAND (PERMIT Holder) App is only for valid permit holders. For public, to book sand, use www.udupiesand.com. Here is the direct link to download UDUPI E-SAND (PERMIT Holder) App - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.udupi.permitholder
Salient Features of UDUPI E-SAND App for Permit Holders
- View all orders assigned
- View orders according to their current status
- Not Issued: order assigned, no driver has accepted delivery
- Recent: delivery accepted between 0 to 2 hours
- Incoming: delivery accepted between 2 to 8 hours
- Delayed: delivery accepted 8 hours ago and beyond
- Verify driver identity through OTP
- Check list of completed orders and order history
Sand Supply Process at UDUPI Sand (Permit Holder) App
View Incoming Orders
- Check list of order requests
- View orders based on their status
- Not Issued, Recent, Incoming, Delayed, Completed
Driver Verification
- Enter OTP given by driver
- Scan permit QR code
- Click "Verify"
Supplying Sand
- On successful verification, supply sand to driver
- Click on "Sand Supplied"
- Supply process completed
For more details on the statewide app, visit the official website at sand.karnataka.gov.in. For Udupi district specific bookings, visit http://udupiesand.com/
FAQ's
Is Maralu Mitra app available for download now?
Yes, Maralu Mitra app is live on Google Play Store and Android users across Karnataka can download it directly.
What is the maximum price for sand under Maralu Mitra?
State government has fixed ₹1,500 per tonne as the maximum price, well below the open market rate of ₹3,250 to ₹3,500 per tonne.
Is sand booking through the app free?
Yes, booking sand through Maralu Mitra app does not cost anything. Buyers only pay for the sand and, if applicable, transport.
Can transport cost be paid at the time of delivery?
Yes, a recent app update added the option to pay transport cost at delivery instead of paying it upfront.