UPI service is closed for peer-to-peer (P2P) collect requests starting today, October 1, 2025. Alongside this, several other major financial and consumer-related changes have come into effect that will directly impact the daily life and expenses of common people. From LPG commercial cylinder prices to new rules in railway ticket bookings and pension schemes, these reforms are expected to affect the pockets of millions.
Let’s take a detailed look at the six big changes that begin today.
1. Aadhaar Mandatory for General Reservation Ticket Booking
From today, passengers booking general reservation train tickets online through the IRCTC website or mobile app will need to undergo Aadhaar verification. However, this verification is mandatory only during the first 15 minutes after general tickets open for booking.
After the initial 15 minutes, tickets can still be booked without Aadhaar authentication. According to Indian Railways, this measure aims to prevent black marketing and unauthorized bulk bookings, ensuring fair access for genuine passengers.
2. UPI Service is Closed for P2P Collect Requests
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced that from October 1, 2025, UPI service is closed for peer-to-peer (P2P) collect requests. This means that individuals can no longer send a payment request to another person asking for money through UPI.
This restriction, however, does not apply to merchants. Companies like Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, or IRCTC can still use collect requests for payments.
NPCI made this decision after observing a surge in fraudulent activities, where scammers misused the UPI collect feature by sending random requests to unsuspecting users, tricking them into approving transactions. By shutting down this feature for individuals, NPCI aims to create a safer digital payments ecosystem.
3. LPG Commercial Gas Cylinder Becomes Costlier
From today, the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder has increased by ₹16.50.
- In Delhi, the price has risen from ₹1580 to ₹1595.50
- In Kolkata, it has gone up to ₹1700.50
- In Mumbai, the rate now stands at ₹1547.00
- In Chennai, the price is ₹1754.50
Here is a quick comparison:
| City | New Price | Old Price | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹1595.50 | ₹1580.00 | ₹15.50 |
| Kolkata | ₹1700.50 | ₹1684.00 | ₹16.50 |
| Mumbai | ₹1547.00 | ₹1531.50 | ₹15.50 |
| Chennai | ₹1754.50 | ₹1738.00 | ₹16.50 |
There is no change in the price of domestic 14 kg cylinders. Consumers can feel somewhat relieved, especially during the festive season, as household cooking expenses remain unaffected.
4. Speed Post Service Gets Costlier with OTP Delivery
From October 1, India Post has revised charges for Speed Post services. A new OTP-based delivery system has been introduced, which ensures that a parcel or letter will only be delivered once the receiver confirms the OTP.
Key updates include:
- ₹5 + GST extra per parcel for OTP-based delivery
- Real-time delivery status updates via SMS
- 10% discount for students
- 5% concession for bulk customers
These changes aim to improve both the security and transparency of deliveries. However, consumers will need to bear slightly higher costs for the added safety features.
5. NPS Subscribers Can Now Invest 100% in Equity
A major change in the National Pension System (NPS) will benefit risk-taking investors. Until now, private NPS subscribers could only invest up to 75% of their funds in equity. Starting today, they will be allowed to invest 100% of their contributions in the stock market.
This reform provides greater flexibility to subscribers who wish to seek higher long-term returns, although it also carries a higher risk factor. Experts believe that those who start investing early and stay invested for decades may accumulate substantial wealth for retirement through this reform.
6. Changes in Pension Scheme Charges
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has revised several charges related to pension schemes, effective October 1, 2025. These changes apply to NPS, Atal Pension Yojana (APY), NPS Lite, and UPS subscribers.
Here are the updated charges:
- For new PRAN opening:
- E-PRAN Kit: ₹18
- Physical PRAN Card: ₹40
- Annual Maintenance Charge: ₹100 per account
- APY and NPS Lite:
- PRAN opening and maintenance charge: ₹15
- Transaction charges: Nil
This update is significant for both government employees and individual investors as it affects long-term pension fund expenses.
Why These Changes Matter
All six reforms that began today directly touch different aspects of citizens’ lives. From train ticket bookings and postal services to pension planning and fuel costs, they bring both challenges and opportunities.
- The Aadhaar requirement for train tickets strengthens fairness.
- UPI service is closed for P2P requests, making digital payments safer.
- LPG price hikes increase business costs but keep household cooking gas stable.
- Speed Post changes ensure safer deliveries but at higher prices.
- NPS equity freedom opens higher return opportunities for investors.
- Pension charge revisions balance transparency and affordability.
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Conclusion
October 1, 2025, marks the beginning of a new financial framework in India. While some changes like the closure of the UPI service for collect requests enhance safety, others such as LPG price hikes and postal charges may pinch consumers’ pockets. At the same time, reforms in NPS investments and pension fund charges open new opportunities for long-term wealth creation.
For the average citizen, keeping track of these changes is crucial to plan expenses, investments, and daily financial activities more effectively.
