UPI has completely changed the way digital payments are made in India. Now the way to make UPI payment is opening even without internet connection. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has recently announced that it is working on a new technology that will allow UPI payments in shops, flights and metro without internet. If this feature is launched, the problem of payment failure due to poor network or lack of internet will end.
How will this new system work?
According to media reports, this new feature will be based on ‘Near Field Communication’ (NFC) technology, that is, there will be no need to scan QR code. All you need to do is tap your NFC-enabled smartphone on the machine to complete the payment. Most importantly, neither your phone nor the merchant’s POS machine will require an internet connection during the transaction.
Payment up to ₹2,000
Initially, payments up to ₹ 2,000 can be made at a time through this system. To use it, users need to first connect to the internet and load money into their UPI Lite wallet. After this, payment can be made using that balance without internet. Settings will also be available to eliminate the need to enter the UPI PIN for every transaction.
Biggest advantage for flights and metro
Even today, flights or underground metros often lack internet connectivity, making digital payments difficult. NPCI is bringing this feature especially for those places where network coverage is poor or not there at all. This means that in future, whether it is buying food in flight or making payment at the metro station, UPI payment will be possible even without internet. To use this service, both the customer’s phone and the merchant’s POS terminal must be certified for the new system. According to media reports, NPCI may soon start certifying such terminals, after which banks and UPI app providers will integrate this feature in their apps.
When will it launch?
Currently, this feature is in development and is not yet available to the general public. NPCI has not yet announced the official launch date. However, according to reports, work on this technology is going on rapidly and it can be launched soon in different phases. If this feature comes, UPI will become more convenient than before, making it easier to make digital payments even in situations like poor network connectivity, airplane mode or traveling.