NPCI-BHIM in Talks to Enable Online Ticket Bookings and UPI Payments at ASI Heritage Sites

NPCI-BHIM is exploring ways to extend digital payment access for visitors at India’s cultural heritage locations by enabling BHIM UPI payments at ticket counters operated by the Archaeological Survey of India, as per news reports. 

Proposed Rollout at Heritage Sites 

NPCI-BHIM is in discussions with the Archaeological Survey of India to allow BHIM UPI payments at physical ticket counters across heritage sites.  

While digital payments are currently supported only for online ticket bookings through the ASI portal, the proposal aims to introduce BHIM UPI QR code payments at counters where cash is presently the sole accepted mode.  

To encourage adoption, incentives such as cashbacks for ticket purchases made using BHIM-UPI are also being considered, with an announcement expected shortly. 

Bank Collaborations and Service Expansion 

NPCI BHIM Services Ltd, a subsidiary of NPCI, is also engaging with public sector banks to enable faster UPI transactions through banks’ mobile applications.  

The company has already partnered with Canara Bank to facilitate UPI-based digital payments via the bank’s app and is in discussions with three to 4 additional public sector banks, with further announcements expected by the first quarter of the next fiscal.  

As per news reports, Lalitha Nataraj, MD and CEO of NPCI BHIM Services Ltd, said, “We are trying to see how we can incentivise customers for buying tickets at Archaeological Survey of India sites. We are working with many of these entities including metros, to see how customers can be benefited from the transactions that they do with such merchants.” 

Usage Growth and Regional Trends 

In 2025, the BHIM Payments app recorded a sharp rise in activity, with monthly transactions increasing from 38.97 million in January to 165.1 million in December, representing a four-fold growth.  

Transaction value reached ₹20,854 crore in December 2025, reflecting a 120% year-on-year increase. Delhi emerged as one of the leading markets, where peer-to-peer transfers accounted for 28% of transactions, followed by groceries at 18% and food-related categories.  

Highlighting wider adoption, Nataraj said, “The growth we are witnessing across key markets such as Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, reflects growing trust in BHIM Payments app's performance, security and user experience.” 

Read More: EPFO 3.0 Launch Date and New Rules: Portal, UPI Withdrawal, Core Banking & AI Translation! 

Conclusion 

The proposed introduction of BHIM UPI payments at ASI heritage sites, alongside bank partnerships and rising transaction volumes, signals continued expansion of digital payment use cases across public-facing services. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.  

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.