New Delhi : India’s digital payment revolution could soon take another giant leap. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is developing a new technology that could allow users to make UPI payments even without an internet connection, making digital transactions possible in places where connectivity is weak or unavailable.

If successfully launched, the feature could transform the way millions of Indians use UPI by eliminating one of the biggest hurdles in digital payments network failures.

The upcoming technology is expected to make payments possible inside airplanes, underground metro stations, remote locations, and areas with poor mobile connectivity, ensuring that users can complete transactions without worrying about internet access.

How Will the Offline UPI System Work?According to reports, the new payment system will be based on Near Field Communication technology. Instead of scanning a QR code, users will simply need to tap their NFC enabled smartphone on a compatible payment terminal to complete the transaction.

The biggest advantage is that no internet connection will be required at the time of payment. The process will be quick, secure and similar to contactless card payments.The feature is also expected to work on Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, allowing customers to pay instantly at retail stores, supermarkets and other merchant outlets.Initially, the offline payment facility is expected to support transactions of up to ₹2,000 at a time.

To use the service, customers will first need to load money into their UPI Lite wallet while they are connected to the internet. Once the wallet is funded, they can continue making payments even when offline. Reports also suggest that users may not be required to enter their UPI PIN for every low-value transaction, making the payment experience even faster and more convenient.Big Relief for Air and Metro Travellers.

The feature is expected to be especially useful for passengers travelling on flights and underground metro networks, where internet connectivity is often unavailable or unreliable.

Currently, many UPI transactions fail due to poor network signals in such locations. The offline payment solution aims to eliminate these interruptions and provide a seamless payment experience regardless of connectivity. The technology could also prove invaluable in remote rural areas, crowded public places, and during emergencies where internet services may be disrupted.

NPCI is reportedly preparing to begin the certification of compatible payment terminals. Once approved, banks and UPI app providers will be able to integrate the offline payment feature into their platforms. This would pave the way for merchants across the country to accept offline UPI payments using NFC-enabled terminals.

When Will It Be Available ? At present, the offline UPI feature is still in the development stage and has not yet been rolled out for public use. NPCI has not announced an official launch date, but reports indicate that work on the technology is progressing rapidly.

The feature is expected to be introduced in phases after successful testing and certification. If implemented successfully, the innovation could mark another milestone in India’s digital payments ecosystem, making UPI faster, smarter, and more accessible than ever before even in places where the internet doesn’t reach.