Indian Railways continues its commitment to enhancing passenger comfort with the introduction of the AC Three Tier Economy (3E) Class Coach, a welcome addition to its developmental journey.
Commencing its service on 06 September 2021 in Train No. 02403 Prayagraj–Jaipur Express, the Rail Coach Factory Kapurthala manufactured the initial batch of 50 Economy coaches for deployment in Mail/Express trains across various zones.
Let’s dive in and explore its uniqueness, facilities, seat map, fare difference, and everything you need to plan a comfortable journey.
Table of contents
- 1 What is 3e in Train
- 2 What are the facilities in 3E Coach
- 3 Difference between 3A and 3E Coach
- 4 3E Coach Seat Map
- 5 Difference between 3E and 3A Fare
- 6 Do we get bedding in 3E
- 7 Cancellation charges for 3E
- 8 Can we sleep in 3E class?
- 9 Why 3E is cheaper than 3A?
- 10 What is the seat capacity of the 3e coach?
- 11 How to book Tickets for 3E Coach?
- 12 How to Cancel Tickets of 3E Coach?
- 13 FAQs on 3E in Train
What is 3e in Train
3E stands for 3 Tier Economy AC class.
Introduced in 2021, the 3E class is designed to provide air-conditioned travel at a lower cost compared to the standard 3 Tier AC (3A) coaches. The idea is simple — make AC travel affordable for a wider segment of passengers.
The introduction of 3E in train has opened new possibilities for budget-conscious travellers who want AC comfort without paying full 3A fares.
What are the facilities in 3E Coach
While offering lower fares, the 3E coach does not compromise heavily on comfort. Key facilities include:
- Increased seating capacity of 83 berths
- CCTV cameras for enhanced passenger safety
- Ergonomic ladder design for easy access to middle and upper berths
- Lightweight, durable berths complying with EN-45545-2 safety standards
- Individual adjustable AC vents for each berth
- Pressurized flushing system with eco-friendly bio-toilets
- Wheelchair-accessible toilets (a major accessibility upgrade)
- LED luminaries for better aesthetics and lighting
- Individual reading lights for every berth
- Luminescent aisle markers & berth indicators for night visibility
- Fire safety compliance meeting EN45545-2 HL3 global standards
Difference between 3A and 3E Coach
Though both are AC classes, there are notable differences between 3A and 3E:
| Feature | 3 Tier Standard (3A) | 3 Tier Economy (3E) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 72 | 83 |
| Leg Space / Comfort | More | Slightly Less |
| Fare | Standard | 6–8% cheaper |
| Individual AC Vent | No | Yes |
| Coach Code | B1, B2, etc. | M1, M2, etc. |
| Disabled Friendly Toilet | No | Yes |
| CCTV | Yes | Yes |
| Washbasin Tap | Hand-operated | Leg-operated |
3E Coach Seat Map
The 3E coach seat layout is similar to the standard 3A coach, featuring side lower, side upper, lower, middle, and upper berths.
Despite having the same layout, berths are slightly compact to accommodate higher passenger capacity.
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Side Arrangement
Difference between 3E and 3A Fare
The 3E in train fare is generally 6–8% lower than 3A, making it a cost-effective AC travel option without sacrificing essential comfort.
Do we get bedding in 3E
Yes.
Passengers travelling in 3E class receive bedsheets, blankets, and pillows, and the cost is included in the ticket fare, just like 3A.
Cancellation charges for 3E
Cancellation rules for 3E tickets are the same as AC 3 Tier (3A) under Indian Railways.
- Confirmed ticket cancellation: Deduction as per AC cancellation rules
- Post chart preparation: No cancellation or refund
- Tatkal confirmed tickets: No refund
- Tatkal waitlisted tickets: Refund after applicable deductions
Can we sleep in 3E class?
Yes.
The berths in 3E (AC 3-tier Economy) are fully designed for overnight travel and sleeping, similar to 3A.
Why 3E is cheaper than 3A?
3E is cheaper than 3A because:
- Reduced berth spacing
- Higher seating density
- Optimised interior design for affordability
Indian Railways also plans to gradually replace some non-AC sleeper coaches, encouraging passengers to upgrade to economical AC travel.
What is the seat capacity of the 3e coach?
The seat capacity of a 3E coach is 83 berths, compared to 72 berths in 3A.
How to book Tickets for 3E Coach?
Online Booking via IRCTC
Tickets for 3E in train can be booked online through IRCTC:
- Visit the IRCTC website or mobile app
- Enter journey details (station, date, quota)
- Select a train offering Third AC Economy (3E)
- Enter passenger details and complete payment
Offline Booking at Railway Counters
- Visit the nearest reservation counter
- Fill the requisition form
- Select 3E (Third AC Economy) as class
- Pay the fare and collect the ticket with PNR
How to Cancel Tickets of 3E Coach?
- Before chart preparation: Cancellation allowed with deductions
- After chart preparation: No refund
- Confirmed Tatkal: No cancellation
- Waitlisted Tatkal: Partial refund after charges
👉 Also Read : Indian Railway chart preparation time
FAQs on 3E in Train
Q1. Is 3E better than Sleeper class?
Yes. 3E offers AC comfort, better safety, and bedding, making it superior to non-AC sleeper class.
Q2. Is food included in 3E class?
No. Food is not included unless the train has optional catering.
Q3. Is 3E suitable for long journeys?
Yes, but passengers should expect slightly compact seating compared to 3A.
Q4. Does 3E have charging points?
Yes. Mobile charging points are provided near berths.
Q5. Will 3E replace Sleeper class?
Indian Railways is gradually expanding 3E coaches, but sleeper class will continue for now.
Final Takeaway
The introduction of 3E in train is a smart balance between affordability and comfort. If you want AC travel at a lower fare, 3E is an excellent choice — especially for overnight and medium-distance journeys.
👉 Would you choose 3E over Sleeper or 3A for your next journey? Tell us in the comments!