I had boarded this train on last thursday(14/12/2012) , my bogie was empty(40% filled). I had asked the TTE about the fill rate. he said that due to exam time it is not running full , now only 50% as total was occupied, but after exam he hopes that this train got good patronage.
He words seam correct , i was lucky enough to get the return train on wednesday from chennai, to my surprise the train was 98% full.
So please do not come into conclusion very quickly.