3e-Coach in Train

A 3E Coach or the Third AC Economy is a coach that was introduced by Indian Railways and offers you air-conditioned travel without hurting your pockets. They provide affordable comfort and an easy journey at a cheaper price by bridging the gap between a sleeper coach and a traditional 3AC coach. Therefore, it is ideal and suitable for you if you do not wish to compromise on the basic comfort of an air-conditioned coach, especially during long-distance journeys, but are also budget-conscious.

1. Seating Arrangements and Berth Layout

• A 3E coach comprises a 3-tier berth on both sides; this means that the seating layout has three levels of beds — upper, middle, and lower berths. This makes the arrangement a 3+3 coach or six beds in total to ensure maximum capacity. 

• Additionally, other than the six beds, there are two beds on the side (upper and lower) that are aligned along the corridor, making it easy for more passengers to fit in a single coach in comparison to traditional seating arrangements.

Indian Railways created this seating arrangement to maximise available space while ensuring that you don't experience any discomfort while travelling.

2. Air Conditioning

The complete air conditioning system in the coach protects you from external extreme weather conditions so that you can travel in luxury and enjoy the train journey.

The 3E tickets are developed to be as pocket-friendly and affordable as possible, which can be seen by comparing them with the 3AC tickets. In comparison, it is visible that the ticket fare of 3E coaches are approximately 10-15% lower than the standard 3A class. This means that if a 3AC ticket costs between ₹800 and ₹1,000, the cost of tickets in a 3E coach for the same destination will range from ₹700 to ₹900. These prices are affected by several factors, including booking timing, ticket availability, and the railway's dynamic pricing policy.

The tickets for 3E coaches can be booked online or purchased at the railway counters. By visiting the IRCTC website or mobile app, you can make an online ticket reservation. Enter your trip information, including the boarding and deboarding stations as well as the date of travel, and choose the train that provides "Third AC Economy.". After entering the traveller’s details and completing the payment, a PNR number will be generated. 

However, if you are someone who prefers in-person booking over online booking, you can visit your nearest reservation counter, fill out a requisition form and request for a ‘Third AC Economy’ ticket.

• Cancellation Charges

If any ticket is cancelled before the final chart is prepared, a cancellation fee will be applied on the basis of the class and the fare type. For 3E tickets specifically, they follow the same cancellation rules as the AC 3 Tier (e.g. for confirmed tickets, a refund is issued after cancellation to your account, but a certain percentage is deducted from the fare, which typically is 25% of the base fare). Moreover, once the chart is prepared, no tickets can be cancelled, meaning that if a passenger decides not to travel after the chart preparation, they will not receive a refund. 

• Tatkal Tickets

For any Tatkal booking, you cannot issue a refund once the ticket is confirmed. However, if your Tatkal ticket is still waitlisted and has yet to be confirmed, then a specified portion of the fare will be refunded to you, but it is subject to charges. 

When searching for a travel option that is not only affordable but also pleasant and does not sacrifice essential comforts, the 3E coach is the ideal alternative. With its contemporary features, economical design, and wide range of availability, it meets the demands of a variety of passengers (whether you are travelling alone, with family, or in a big group) and ensures a smooth and pleasurable trip.