The family of Yerevan citizen Ashot Poghosyan decided to spend the summer holidays in Batumi. The family took a train to the Black Sea resort without imagining the hardships and sufferings they would have to pass through on the way.
Ashot says the air conditioner of the train was out of order and all the windows were firmly shut down. The air temperature was 45-50 degree Celsius in the carriage.
"There were people of different ages in the carriage, including children, pregnant women and passengers with heart diseases. We left the doors open and asked the conductor to open the emergency windows though in vain," says Ashot
Some of the passengers initiated collection of signatures. On arriving in Batumi, they contacted the South Caucasus Railway CSJC, the Department of Railways of the RA Ministry of Transport but the answers were far from being encouraging.
"The ghost of the carriage did not leave us thoughtout the holiday," recalls Ashot.
On the return way, the family appeared in the same carriage. After they protested they were transferred to the last carriage.
"It was the worst part of the train with miserable conditions and slovenliness reigning everywhere.
Moreover, it was very cold in the carriage as the window was half-open. We had to cover the children with all blankets we had with us. The only consolation was that we had to endure those unbearable conditions for another four hours," said Ashot and advised holiday-makers to consider all details before going on holiday.