Just read my post i said fare is key for DDs first. There are many people travelling DD end to end. I have posted figures in summer in that train blog. Now its winter so not much demand. People travel by buses for 11-12 hrs, its nothing new for people.
Also this DD has DIFFERENT quota system for Vijayawada-Vizag intercity travelers. Every hour count for sitting journey. SCR should try running via short route with proper timings at BZA before scrapping it.