FWIW I feel that my decision was vindicated. I booked 2 tickets on EK, SYD-CMB and CMB-FCO (one paid and one FF award). Transit time in CMB was approx 90 mins, but was quite effortless, as I received my onward boarding pass within 10 mins of landing, at the EK lounge (I'm a Gold with EK). Still time to have a glass or two of Moet.

Can't do that in India, irrespective of airline or class, and no visa was needed (although I always carry a Sri-Lankan transit visa - which is free - just in case).

This may not work for non-elites of EK, but it certainly worked for me.