Kim Jong-il's 'six luxury trains'

Kim Jong-Il travels by train when he visits farms and factories

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il - who is known to avoid air travel - has six luxury trains at his disposal, a South Korean newspaper has reported.

According to Chosun Ilbo, the trains are armoured and equipped with conference rooms, bedrooms and state-of-the-art communications.

The trains have 90 carriages in total and 19 stations in North Korea are reserved for 67-year-old Mr Kim's use.

The newspaper says its report is based on South Korean and US intelligence.

Security on the trains was said to have been stepped up after an explosion at a town near the border with China in 2004.

The blast at Ryongchon, in which around 160 people were killed, happened hours after Mr Kim reportedly passed through the station following a three-day visit to Beijing.

KIM JONG-IL'S TRAINS Six trains with 90 carriages 19 exclusive stations One train goes ahead to check line Train with agents follows Source: Chosun Ilbo

Mr Kim is known to try to avoid air travel and opts to go by train on his rare visits abroad.

According to the newspaper report, the specific train carrying Kim always travels with two other trains. One goes ahead to check the safety of the rail lines, while another staffed by security agents follows behind.

The report could not be confirmed by South Korea's National Intelligence Service or the US military command in Seoul.

The North Korean leader reportedly suffered a stroke last year, but this year has increased the number of his public appearances apparently to quell rumours about his health.