Expectant mothers, who resigned as nurses from city hospitals hoping to return to their hometowns in Kerala for delivery, are now anxiously waiting for the e-pass. They have arranged ambulances for travel and are willing to pay thousands, but haven't heard from the state police yet.

Among the expectant nurses is Reshma Anish, 30, who is about eight months pregnant and resigned from MGM Hospital, Vashi, in March, for her travel to her hometown Pathanamthitta.