103 reserved psgrs (approx 30% of its SL psgr load) from Katihar is actually a good number considering 2 other faster trains for Kolkata also run just after this train and KIR is the main booking source station for those 2 trains as well.. Also SL berths in those trains are also easily availble during off season time (main fight is for 3 ac berths :)
I am sure this will be the case of MLDT as well as MLDT pax will always prefer Gaur or Uttar banga or Radhikapur than this train. As far as I know this train is very popular among smaller station (after MLDT stns) passengers who have limited train options for Kolkata..
But...
more... if they can augment a 3ac coach in this train, KIR and MLDT can definitely fill a 3ac coach in this train even during off season..
13034 has very good arrival time at HWH and it gives link for many long distance trains (Duru, Falaknuma etc) at HWH. Bas ac coaches ki kami hai. KIR psgrs who use HWH for their South/West India onward journey will definitely prefer this train once it has ac coaches..