India, Oct. 20 -- Two months after the inauguration of the Coastal Road promenade on August 15, the 5-kilometre stretch has become a popular jaunt for Mumbaikars. Different sets of people flock the stretch in the mornings and evenings - to exercise, cycle, walk their pets, hang out with friends, take photos, or simply gaze at the sea in silence, interrupted only by the hum of passing cars and cackling children.

Most visitors to the promenade, however, seem to be from affluent backgrounds. When Hindustan Times visited the area on Saturday evening, the crowd was thinner than usual due to Diwali festivities, and there were hardly any visitors from poor backgrounds, barring construction labourers working in the vicinity.

Delighted visitors...