SINGAPORE ~ Singapore is to build a S$12-billion (US$7.95-billion) subway train network to further ease travel to the city centre.

The 40-kilometre Downtown Line, which will be mostly underground, is expected to be completed in 2018, the Land Transport Authority said in a statement.

It said the new line would allow direct travel from the northwest and eastern parts of the island to the central business district and the Marina Bay area, where US gaming giant Las Vegas Sands is building a casino.