As far as i know. If long distance trains at an avg of 80% in that financial year its termed as hit.
But recent studies says all trains which have sleeper and Gen are running into losses. Its all due to inflation and Pay rivisons which are making huge over head expenses. Operating cost increased like any thing. Except some Rajdhani exp , Shatabdhi and AC express train mostly all trains running losses.
So discontinuing a service is surely depends on zonal reports to RB. Railway board dont have proper mechanism...
more... to curb these super loss making trains.