The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is reportedly developing a new "tap and pay" functionality that will enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI) users to execute transactions of up to ₹2,000 without an active internet connection.

How the Offline System Works

The upcoming framework reportedly leverages Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. By utilising NFC rails, users will be able to complete transactions by simply tapping an NFC-enabled smartphone against an offline point-of-sale (PoS) machine or transit terminal, bypassing the need for mobile data or Wi-Fi networks.

Targeted Use Cases: Flights and Underground Trains

The introduction of offline NFC functionality is expected to solve persistent connectivity issues in enclosed or remote transit environments. The system will prove particularly useful on flights and underground train networks, where subterranean tunnels and mid-air signal drops frequently disrupt digital payment processing.

While exact rollout dates and formal deployment guidelines are yet to be announced by the NPCI, the feature marks a significant step forward in expanding friction-free, offline digital transactions across India's public transport and travel sectors.