The Mysore rail Museum is the first origin museum to be set up in India. The Mysore Museum was shown what can be done with imagination and initiative by P. M. Joseph, Divisional Railway Manager, Southern Railway, Mysore in August 1980
In 1864, the Broad Gauge Railway line between Madras and Bangalore was laid by Madras Railway Company. This was the first Railway line in the State of Mysore.
In 1871 Mysore State Railway was formed. The Mysore – Bangalore Metre Gauge Railway line was constructed as a famine relief measure.
In 1884, MSR became a part of the Southern Mahratta Railways.
After independence in 1947, Railways were re-organized and Mysore became a part of Southern Railway.
In 2003, it became a part of South Western Railway which has its headquarters in Hubli.