India's UPI expands offline tap‑to‑pay feature as user base reaches 55.5 crore

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) plans to launch an offline UPI tap‑to‑pay service by 2026. Using NFC technology, the system will let users with NFC‑enabled smartphones tap a certified point‑of‑sale terminal even when no internet connection is available. Transactions will be limited to 2,000 rupees, and users must pre‑load funds into a UPI Lite wallet. Target environments include airplane cabins, underground metro and train networks, where connectivity is often absent.

UPI’s adoption continues to surge, with 55.49 crore users recorded in June 2026. In the 2025‑26 financial year, UPI processed 24,162 crore transactions worth 314 lakh crore rupees. The Government, RBI and NPCI have introduced risk‑based limits, enhanced security frameworks and safeguards to curb fraud, while NPCI’s subsidiary NIPL is promoting UPI and RuPay abroad for Indian tourists and the diaspora.