No need to collect in India & no visa needed as long as you are inside. Used EWR-Delhi-KTM route last time, went relatively smooth however expect some desi para esp. in transfer. They didn't let me into another terminal & hold few hours even with the hotel (inside airport) reservation; few khaire in same boat. They have weird system to show power/authority, it's cultural thing i guess which most of south asian people have! Enjoy your trip!

I, too, booked Air India tickets last week but wasn't so sure I wanna fly with them after checking their reviews. So, I canceled and decided to pay extra for Qatar Airways instead.