An investigation on drainage requirement of saline soils with an acute outlet problem such as in case of saucer type of basin of Agricultural Research Station, Gangavati, was investigated during 1983-93. Results of the experiment in terms of soil salinity, chloride salinity, carbonates and bicarbonates removal and de-sodication pattern revealed that for short term gains, a vertical drain with lateral (15 m length) was better than vertical drains without lateral. However, for long term gains, vertical drains without lateral was as effective as with lateral. The cost comparison favoured a vertical drain without lateral (Rs. 34605.00 per ha) than both the vertical drain with lateral (Rs. 68033.00 per ha) and the conventional horizontal system (Rs. 43328.00 per ha) for 15 m drain spacing.