Visitors to the popular Mysuru Rail Museum are facing significant frustration due to the absence of digital payment options at its ticket counters. In an era where digital transactions are the norm, the museum's insistence on cash is causing discomfort, especially for tourists who often travel without physical currency.
A Step Back in a Digital Era
Despite India's rapid adoption of UPI and card payments, the ticket counters at this major tourist attraction accept only cash. This has become a notable pain point for the over 800 tourists who visit the museum daily, including foreigners, families, students, and railway enthusiasts. The entry fee is set at Rs 50 for adults and Rs 20 for children aged between 5 and 12 years, with free entry for children below 5.
Karthik, a recent visitor, expressed his dismay, pointing out the irony that even local vegetable vendors offer digital payment facilities. He remarked on the failure of the central government-managed facility to introduce such a basic convenience for buying entrance tickets.
A Renovated Museum with an Outdated System
The Mysuru Rail Museum holds a prestigious place in Indian railway history. Established in 1979, it was India's first regional rail museum after the National Rail Museum in New Delhi. It underwent an extensive renovation in 2019–20 under the then DRM Aparna Garg, transforming it into a modern, eco-conscious complex spread over 3 acres.
The museum now offers an immersive experience featuring:
- Historic locomotives and royal saloons
- Themed galleries and multimedia exhibits
- Popular toy train rides
- A cafeteria and souvenir shop
- Panoramic views narrating the evolution of Indian Railways
Despite this world-class renovation, the fundamental process of purchasing a ticket remains stuck in the past.
Official Response and Promised Resolution
When contacted, Mudit Mittal, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Mysuru division, Southwestern Railway, stated he was unaware of the inconvenience caused by the lack of digital payment facilities. Upon being informed, the DRM promptly promised action. He assured that the issue would be resolved and digital payment options would be introduced for visitors within the next two to three days.
This move is expected to significantly ease the entry process for the hundreds of daily visitors and align the museum's operations with the digital India initiative. The resolution of this issue will ensure that the museum's experience begins smoothly, right from the ticket counter.
