Bhubaneswar, Sept. 22: If the state aspires to grow in the information technology sector, the immediate need is to launch direct international flights from here.

And the word of advice came from none other than Mindtree chairman Subroto Bagchi.

He was speaking at the launch of Mindtree Kalinga - the state-of-the-art global learning and delivery centre in Bhubaneswar.

"Majority of our IT clients are in the US and Europe and no one likes this two-hub concept of travelling. Therefore, a proper international connection is the need of the hour," he said.

"The concept that Bhubaneswar is a tier two city must be done away with and we have to work towards bringing it on par with other metros," said Bagchi pressing for an elevated highway between Infocity and Bhubaneswar for better connectivity.

Built on a 20-acre campus, the facility was today formally inaugurated by chief minister Naveen Patnaik.

The entire centre is equipped with advanced technology to enhance the learning experience of the engineers. Groups will work on real projects to solve engineering problems enabling them to strengthen their sense of innovation.

Apart from the Global Learning Centre, Mindtree Kalinga will be a centre of excellence for the insurance domain. It will provide specialised and innovative solutions to digitally transform Mindtree's global insurance industry clients.

The 2,72,000sqft Mindtree Kalinga campus has come up at a cost of Rs 125 crore in its first phase and targets to train at least 25,000 trainees every year. These will include 40 per cent women. The architecture reflects the digital future of man and also the ancient architecture. The smart campus uses digital technologies effectively for efficient consumption of resources through sensors that span all areas. Unique construction methods have been used to make it an inspiring example of sustainability.

The campus has been built using one million bricks made of earth dug out of while excavating the site. The bricks were made without using fire, ash and additional water.

The entire construction has been done with overflow rainwater, which is harvested into a 14.7 million litre pond. Going forward, the pond will make the campus largely water neutral.

The living space on the campus is fitted with a passive cooling system, which provides a constant flow of refreshing air in the building, avoiding the need for air conditioners.

This building is a 1,600 square feet image in tile, meant to be a tribute to the Konark temple. It was created by a group of inmates from the Missionaries of Charity's leprosy rehabilitation centre in Janla, Odisha.