North Korean leader Kim Jong-il -- known for shunning air travel — has six luxurious trains equipped with reception halls, conference rooms and hi-tech communication facilities, a South Korean newspaper reported yesterday.

There are 19 stations across North Korea exclusively for Mr Kim's trains, which have a total of some 90 carriages, the Chosun Ilbo newspaper said, citing an analysis by South Korean and US intelligence authorities.

Mr Kim reportedly uses the trains when he makes inspection visits to army units and factories or travels abroad. His train travels with two others: one runs ahead to check the safety of railway lines, while the second carries security agents and follows behind.