We had taken this train from BPQ to SC on the 24th of November early morning hours. We had booked in CC. At BPQ itself we observed that about 80% of the unreserved 2S coaches get filled up.
The CC coach is of the 90s vintage - you dont get plug points near the seats, you have to go to the front of the coach, near the cabin door, where around 4 plug points are provided. The CC seats are not comfy either, with a bare amount of backrest recline.
This train...
more... runs as a passenger between BPQ and KZJ, hence sees a very high patronage. Good priority is accorded to this train, though we did have a scheduled overtake by the Thirukkural express, at a station enroute in the BZA - KZJ section.
You are advised to buy food at BPQ and board this train as, till KZJ Jn, you get very minimal food and tea/coffee options. At KZJ Jn, you better scramble to get that tea or coffee, and Idli/Vada/Samosa from the platform vendors, as the train has a very brief halt.
Post KZJ Jn, the CC coach was 100 % occupied. We reached SC with a negligible delay of around 10 minutes.