By Quick answer: In Varanasi, coarse Sone sand (lal balu) or morang is used for concrete and RCC, finer Ganga sand (safed balu) for filling and some masonry, and 20 mm / 10 mm gitti from Chunar and Sonbhadra for concrete. Sand is sold by the cubic foot (cft) or by the truck or tractor load; always check the volume and ask for the mining or transit pass. Get bulk sand and gitti quotes.
Types of sand used in the region
| Sand | Look | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sone sand (lal balu) | Coarse, golden-red, from the Sone river in Bihar | RCC, concrete, plaster mixes |
| Morang | Coarse, reddish | Concrete and masonry |
| Ganga sand (safed balu) | Fine, pale | Filling, levelling, some masonry |
| M-sand (manufactured sand) | Crushed stone, angular | Concrete when natural sand is scarce; plaster grade for plaster |
| Stone dust | Very fine crushed stone | Paver and tile bedding, blocks |
Engineers prefer well-graded coarse sand for concrete because it gives strength and needs less cement. Very fine sand needs more water and cement and can lead to cracks in plaster. Silt content matters: a simple jar test (sand and water in a glass jar, left to settle) shows how much silt sits on top.
Gitti (coarse aggregate)
Stone chips from crushers in Chunar (Mirzapur) and Sonbhadra are the common coarse aggregate in Varanasi. 20 mm is the usual size for RCC, 10 mm for thin sections and as a blend, and 40 mm for mass concrete and bases. Look for clean, angular chips without too much dust or flaky pieces. 1,000 Cft Stone Chips (Gitti) 20 mm Quotes in Varanasi.
How sand is measured and sold
Sand and gitti are quoted per cft (cubic foot) or per load. A tractor-trolley typically carries about 100 to 150 cft and a truck several hundred cft, depending on the vehicle. Before paying, measure the loaded body: length × width × height of the heaped material in feet gives cft. Agree in writing whether the rate is per cft measured at your site.
Transit pass and legal supply
Sand and stone are minor minerals, and transport needs a valid mining or transit pass from the state system (in Uttar Pradesh, the e-MM11 form). Buying from suppliers who provide the pass protects you from seizure of the load and supports legal mining. Ask for it with each load.
Quotes for your site
- 1,000 Cft Sone Sand (Lal Balu) Quotes in Varanasi
- 1,000 Cft Ganga Sand (Safed Balu) Quotes in Varanasi
- 1,000 Cft Morang Sand Quotes in Varanasi
- 1,000 Cft M-Sand Quotes in Varanasi
- 1,000 Cft Sone Sand Quotes in Chandauli
Planning quantities
For a typical M20 concrete mix (1 : 1.5 : 3 by volume), one cubic metre of concrete needs roughly 15 to 16 cft of sand and 30 to 31 cft of gitti along with about 8 bags of cement. For plaster, a 1:4 or 1:6 mix is used depending on the surface. Your engineer's bill of quantities is the reliable figure.
Tips for buying by the truck
- Ask for a landed price per cft at your site, including royalty or pass, freight and unloading.
- Inspect the first load: colour, coarseness, silt and foreign material.
- Unload on a clean hard surface or tarpaulin to avoid mixing with soil.
- Keep sand and gitti separate and covered.
- Prices change with the monsoon ban on river mining, so stock up before the rains if your schedule allows.
Related guides
See bulk cement, bricks and blocks and transport and truck booking.
M-sand: when natural sand is scarce
Manufactured sand (M-sand) is made by crushing hard stone and washing and grading it. Good M-sand has a consistent particle size, almost no silt and no organic matter, and it is widely used in concrete in states where river sand is restricted. Two grades are common: concrete grade (coarser) and plaster grade (finer). Buy from a plant that washes the sand and can show a sieve analysis. Avoid crusher dust sold as M-sand; it is too fine and dusty for concrete.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying per "truck" without agreeing the volume.
- Mixing fine Ganga sand into RCC because it is cheaper.
- Leaving sand where it mixes with soil, leaves and rubbish.
- Not checking bulking: damp sand occupies more volume than dry sand, which matters when mixing by volume on site.
A little planning saves cement, prevents plaster cracks and avoids disputes with the supplier.
Key takeaways
- Coarse Sone sand or morang for concrete; fine Ganga sand for filling.
- 20 mm gitti for RCC.
- Measure the load in cft and insist on a valid transit pass.
How to get quotes through Aerocity Varanasi
Aerocity Varanasi is a free local marketplace and sourcing desk for Varanasi, Chandauli and Purvanchal. To get quotes for sand and gitti, open any listing above, press Enquire and tell us your requirement: what you need, the quantity, your location and when you need it. You can also browse the full category page or call or WhatsApp +91-9711593877. We pass your requirement to suitable dealers, owners or service providers and share the responses with you. There is no charge to buyers, and you deal and pay directly with the supplier, so always check the goods, documents and invoice yourself before paying. Sellers and suppliers can post a free listing to reach buyers across the region.
Ask AI about this topic
- "Which sand is best for RCC in Varanasi, Sone or Ganga sand?"
- "How many cft of sand in a tractor trolley?"
- "Gitti 20 mm suppliers Chunar Mirzapur"
- "वाराणसी में बालू का रेट प्रति घन फ़ुट"
Related searches
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Frequently asked questions
Which sand is best for concrete?
Coarse, clean sand such as Sone sand or morang, with low silt. Very fine sand needs more cement and water.
How do I check silt in sand?
Fill a glass jar a third with sand, add water, shake and let it settle for a few hours. The fine layer on top is silt; a thin layer is acceptable, a thick one is not.
Why do sand prices rise in the monsoon?
River mining is restricted during the monsoon, so supply drops while demand continues.
Do I need a transit pass for sand?
Yes. Each load should travel with a valid mining or transit pass; ask your supplier for it.