UPI has completely transformed digital payments across India. Now, users may soon pay without an internet connection. The National Payments Corporation of India is developing a new technology. This system may allow UPI payments without internet access. According to reports, the upcoming feature will support shops, flights and underground metro payments. It will help users during poor network conditions.
Therefore, failed transactions due to weak connectivity may reduce significantly. The technology could make digital payments smoother during travel and emergencies.
How The New NFC-Based System Will Work
The upcoming feature will use Near Field Communication technology. Users will not need to scan QR codes for payments. Instead, customers will simply tap their NFC-enabled smartphones on machines. The payment process will complete through this simple action. Moreover, users and merchants will not need internet connectivity during transactions. Neither the smartphone nor the POS machine will require active internet. Initially, the system will allow payments up to Rs 2,000 in one transaction. Users must load money into their UPI Lite wallet while online.
Later, they can use that balance for offline payments. The feature may also provide settings where users will not always need UPI PIN entry.
Flights And Metro Could Gain Maximum Benefit
Internet problems often occur inside flights and underground metro networks. These situations make digital payments difficult for passengers.
Therefore, NPCI is designing this feature mainly for low-network locations. Users may soon buy food during flights without internet access.
Similarly, passengers could make payments at metro stations without connectivity issues. However, merchants will also need updated POS terminals.
These terminals must receive certification for the new payment system. According to reports, NPCI may soon begin terminal certification. After that, banks and UPI application companies can add this feature. The service will expand after necessary technical integration.
UPI Offline Feature May Launch In Phases
Currently, the feature remains under development and is unavailable for public use. NPCI has not announced any official launch date yet.
However, reports suggest that work on this technology is progressing quickly. The system may arrive gradually in different phases.
If launched, this facility could make UPI more convenient than before. Users may complete payments during travel, airplane mode or weak networks.
