Puri-Indore HS is a poorly patronised train and a big failure for multiple reasons.
(1) This is the solitary train connecting Indore/Malwa to Bhubaneswar/ Puri/ Sambalpur/ Raipur/Durg/Gondia. An intercity train was required instead of AC ACIII premium flexifare H/S. Later on, a few non-ac coaches were added to improve patronage/revenue.
(2) Train was too slow esp. on Puri-IND run.
(3) A plus point...
more... was this train was taking shorter route i.e. (Maksi - Dewas chord). Now going via UJN will rob this plus point too.
(4) This train should be operated with 1-2ACII,4-6ACIII,6-8SL,2-4GEN, PC coaches as intercity on the existing route