That is definitely one disadvantage that can lead to delays. But as far as journey time is concerned, with a decent schedule, it can cover the LTT-SLO stretch in approximately 27 hours. The LTT-GTL stretch can be covered in around 14hr 40 min ( the fastest being 14 hrs, which is a non SF train) and between GTL-SLO, if a schedule similar to Amaravati express is provided, it can cover it in around 12.5 hrs. Overall, without having a very high priority schedule, it can still make it in a little over 27 hours. And the other options at SLO ( other than the current 17221) are not much faster either, with Konark and VSKP-LTT both taking around 26 hours. This way, even after re-route it can be attractive for end-to-end passengers as well.